The average price of gasoline in Maryland has climbed to a two-year high, mirroring higher prices at the pump nationwide, according to a report Tuesday from AAA Mid-Atlantic.
The nonprofit automotive travelers association noted that the rise in gasoline prices could discourage travel during the holiday season. In Maryland, the average price climbed to $2.98 a gallon, while prices in Cumberland and Hagerstown have already surpassed the $3 mark, AAA Mid-Atlantic said.
Nationally, the average price of gasoline was $2.96 a gallon, a 777-day high.
Rising gasoline prices come at an unusual time of year --- AAA Mid-Atlantic said consumers have never paid $3 a gallon around Christmas time.
A year ago, prices at Maryland gas stations averaged $2.61 a gallon, the organization said.
The organization attributed the higher gasoline costs to a two-year high in the cost of crude oil.
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