State and local gas prices are a bit cheaper today than they were a week ago, but the national average has increased slightly.
AAA says the average in Gainesville is $2.67, down a nickel from last Monday. The state average is $2.69, compared to $2.72 last week. The national average is $2.94; it was $2.92 a week ago.
Pump prices nationwide are expected to start their seasonal climb soon, AAA says, as spring approaches and summer-blend gasoline production begins. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are another factor that could drive up crude oil prices, which, in turn, would mean an increase at the pump.