Colorado sees 31-cent increase in gas price average

(The Center Square) - Colorado had the nation's highest increase in gas prices over the past week, as the average price increased by 31 cents.

According to AAA data, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in the state is $3.65 as of Monday, up from $3.34 a week ago. The national average is $3.42.

Analysts for AAA suggested higher prices across the country are due to recent weather leading to increased demand.

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"The recent rising temperatures led to rising pump prices," AAA spokesman Andrew Gross said in a statement. "And with the cost of oil hitting $80 a barrel, there is a lot of upward pressure on gas prices at the moment."

Colorado has the eighth-highest average gas price in the country, according to AAA, only behind Hawaii ($4.94), California ($4.44), Washington ($4.06), Nevada ($3.95), Alaska ($3.72), Oregon ($3.71), and Pennsylvania ($3.70). 

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Colorado's average price was $2.82 a month ago but saw a spike following the temporary closure of a refinery in Commerce City.

The state's highest average is in Vail ($4.13), while its lowest is in Durango ($3.32), AAA data shows.