Cincinnati enjoyed some of the nation's lowest gasoline prices for part of the summer. But just like school vacations, the low prices are over.

        In fact, Tristate gas prices are higher than the national average now, having risen 30 cents a gallon in a month. And prices rose Tuesday to as high as $1.80 a gallon for unleaded — and $2 for premi um — at some Tristate locations.

        Gasoline prices historically rise before summer holidays. But what's making the current increases particularly steep is the temporary shutdown of a refinery near Chicago. The shutdown, which started almost two weeks ago, has made supplies tighter in the Midwest and driven up wholesale gas prices nationally.

        But Tristate motorists Tuesday placed most of the blame for bigger fuel bills on the approaching holiday weekend.

        “I think it stinks,” said Dale Cooper, 33, of Union Township, Clermont County, while he filled up his vehicle on Beechmont Avenue. “It's getting close to Labor Day, and they jumped the prices on people going on vacation.”

        Colerain Township resident Connie Ellison was filling her sedan at the Speedway on Colerain Avenue, where prices were $1.80 for regular and $2.00 for super.

        “Gas should stay the same price for at least six months,” she said. “I saw it cheaper down the street, but it was too hard to get in and out of the station. Besides, they will go up in a few minutes.”

        Prices locally are about 20 cents more than they were before last Labor Day, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Nationally, the average is $1.48 a gallon, down from $1.50 a year ago.

        Just a month ago, the average price for a gallon of unleaded in the Ohio portion of the Tristate was $1.26 while it was $1.33 in Northern Kentucky, according to AAA. Tuesday, the average price was $1.64 in Ohio and $1.65 in Northern Kentucky, the AAA report said.

        Even though the three Northern Kentucky counties are using more expensive reformulated gas until Labor Day, gasoline in Ohio is just as costly.

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