WILMINGTON—Summer is just around the corner which means longer days, cookouts, and road trips–but drivers heading out on the road this summer might be in for a surprise as gas prices continue to increase.
According to AAA, gas prices as of May 21 are on average $2.92 per gallon nationwide. This is 57 cents costlier than the same time last year. But it is not all bad; North Carolina gas prices, when compared to the rest of the nation, are somewhat lower with an average of $2.76 per gallon.
The rise in fuel prices is in part attributed to the announcement of the decision to withdraw from the Iranian Nuclear Deal, according to AAA gas prices spiked after the announcement last week.
In the Cape Fear Region, gas prices are slightly below the state average with New Hanover County averaging $2.73 per gallon, Brunswick County at $2.75 per gallon, and Pender County at $2.71 per gallon.
Despite being lower than average nationally, gas prices in North Carolina are up from last year 56 cents, with the average cost of a gallon of fuel the same time last year at $2.20 per gallon.
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