Gas price spike in NC among highest in nation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – The recent spike in gasoline prices in the Carolinas because of the Colonial Pipeline spill are among the highest weekly increases in the nation.

AAA Carolinas reports that because of this month’s spill, average gas prices increased 7 cents per gallon in South Carolina and 5 cents a gallon in North Carolina.

The pipeline leak in Alabama resulted in gasoline shortages in several southeastern states for several days.

The motor club based in Charlotte reported Monday that the average price for a gallon of gas in North Carolina is $2.21 a gallon while the price in South Carolina $2.11.

The main difference in the price in the two states is North Carolina’s higher state gasoline tax.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)