Demand for heating oil continues to increase amid forecasts for below-normal temperatures in the U.S. through mid-January and pushed crude oil to its highest price in six weeks. Crude oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange closed the holiday-shortened trading week at $79.36.

The national average price of unleaded regular gasoline is $2.66 per gallon and that reflects a six-cent per gallon increase in the past week. Florida’s average price of $2.53 per gallon, increased by five-cents per gallon in the past week, Georgia’s average price of $2.53 increased by eight-cents in the past week and Tennessee’s average price today of $2.52 increased seven-cents.

Current and past price averages:

National: Current $2.660 – Week ago $2.600 – Month ago $2.637 – Year ago $1.642

Florida: Current $2.683 – Week ago $2.629 – Month ago $2.691 – Year ago $1.660

Source: AAA Auto Club South