Gas Price Increases 8 Cents

— -- The national average for gallon of regular gas is $2.27, up 8 cents from a week ago but still $1.11 lower than this time last year, according to the Department of Energy.

Gas prices typically rise at this time of year because of refinery maintenance.

Another reason for higher gas prices is likely tied to a slight rise in the oil prices in recent days.

Oil and gas prices are still considerably lower than they have been in recent years and are expected to stay around those lower levels.