Gas prices in Va. jump 39 cents in a month

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia motorists are paying 39 cents more a gallon for self-serve regular gasoline than they were a month ago.

The AAA Fuel Gauge shows that the average price per gallon is $3.65, compared to $3.26 in January.

The statewide average has increased 4 cents a gallon since Monday.

AAA Mid-Atlantic attributes the spike in prices mainly to an increase in the price of crude oil. The organization also says refineries are shutting down for seasonal maintenance, creating a drop in crude oil supplies.

The average price in Richmond is $3.63. Motorists in Charlottesville, Norfolk and Roanoke are paying $3.62 cents a gallon.

The national average is $3.75, up from $3.30 in January.