Businesses and drivers aren’t seeing a break in gas prices. Gas prices are already up nearly 40% across the country compared to this time last year. The national average for gasoline right now is $3.49. West Virginia averages at $3.30, according to Traci Nelson with the West Virginia Oil Marketers and Grocers Association. West Virginia is sitting at right at $3.90 average for diesel, which is the national average. The prices are a combination of demand with supply not back to pre-pandemic levels and oil prices driven by the threat of war in Ukraine. There is speculation a war in Ukraine could push oil from the mid-$90s to more than $120 a barrel. Transportation costs were a major factor in January’s 7.5% rise in inflation, pushing it to its highest point in 40 years.