COLUMBUS: Ohio drivers are paying slightly more at the pump as summer wraps up and students head back to school.
The state’s average for a gallon of regular gas was $3.53 on Monday, according to the survey from auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express. That’s up a nickel from a week ago but down 24 cents compared with a year ago.
Nationally, the average was $3.54 on Monday, holding steady compared with a week ago. It’s 21 cents cheaper than at this time last year.
Experts say there falling unemployment claims and rising manufacturing are among signs that demand for oil in the world’s largest economy is gaining momentum.
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Online: AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report at http://fuelgaugereport.aaa.com.