AAA: National Gas Prices Up 9 Cents To $3.74
TRENTON, NJ (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Drivers are paying more at the pump once again with prices nationwide up 9 cents.
The latest data from AAA shows the national average for a gallon of regular is now $3.74.
In New York and Connecticut, gas is $3.99 a gallon with higher prices in New York City where the average is now $4.05. On Long Island, gas is selling at $4.02 a gallon.
Gas is a little cheaper in New Jersey. Prices went up to $3.62 a gallon on Friday, marking the thirteenth straight week that gas prices have risen in the Garden State.
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But no matter where they live, drivers all over the Tri-state area are feeling the squeeze.
"It's very rough, especially if you are the owner-operator," said one driver. "The loads pay less because of fuel prices going up, you are not making no more money.
"It's hitting everybody and with the economy and all that's going on, it's just another penny or dime that we are getting hit every day," said another.
Analysts say the rising prices are mostly due to tensions in the Middle East, rising crude oil prices and market speculation, along with signs of an improving U.S. economy.
The Federal Trade Commission has also been investigating to see if the nation's gas prices have been kept artificially high.
Sen. Charles Schumer along with Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill have been pushing the FTC to finish its investigation so that prices could be reduced if there is evidence they're being inflated only for profit.
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