Published: November 02, 2009 07:37 pm      

Gas prices on the rise across the region

BLUEFIELD — As the days of holiday travel approach, the prices at gasoline pumps across the Virginias and the nation as a whole continue to rise.

On Monday, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $2.76 in West Virginia and $2.58 in Virginia. The national average for regular gas Monday was $2.67 a gallon.

Locally, prices in southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia reflected statewide trends. In Princeton, regular gas was selling for $2.69 a gallon and in Bluefield for $2.74. Across the state line, it sold for $2.53 in Bluefield, Va. and for $2.53 a gallon in Richlands, Va.

In West Virginia, a gallon of regular gas sold for $2.52 a month ago and $2.59 this same time last year. At the same time in Virginia, the price was $2.29 a month ago and $2.30 in early November last year, according to AAA records.

“We’ve noticed the trend,” said Laura Gooch of the Bluefield AAA. “Typically, this is something we do see as the Thanksgiving reason arrives. It’s not just here where they’re going up. They’re going up across the country.”

Gooch said she did not know the exact reasons behind the rising prices. While oil prices have fallen, the weakness of the dollar may have contributed to the increases.

Holiday travelers can reduce the amount of money they spend on gasoline by observing a few simple tips.

“Be familiar with your route and know the shortest distances,” Gooch said. “And make sure your car is in good running order.” Making sure vehicles have regular maintenance and proper tire pressure can help extend their mileage.