LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS As gas prices continue to inch towards $4 per gallon for the average motorist, many are feeling the financial strain.

LOCK HAVEN — Gas prices are continuing to inch closer and closer to $4 per gallon for the average motorist with no sign of relief coming anytime soon following the bombings on Iran and subsequent uncertainty for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to information from Penn Capital Star, the national average hit $3.96 per gallon Monday, up from $3.72 the week before, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. A month ago, the average price per gallon was $2.79.

Some analysts warn prices could continue climbing in the coming weeks, potentially pushing the national average above $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, Penn Capital Star reported.

In Clinton and surrounding counties, gas prices have trended just below the national average.

According to gasbuddy.com’s numbers as of Wednesday afternoon, Sheetz, 288 Hogan Boulevard, Mill Hall; and Kwik Fill, 165 Hogan Boulevard, Mill Hall, offered the lowest price on gas at $3.49.

This was followed by the 7-Eleven, 840 Bellefonte Ave., Lock Haven; and Exxon, 42 Main St., Beech Creek, who reportedly had prices at $3.69 per gallon.

From there, the highest cost in Clinton County seemed to top at $3.79 at the following: Pilot, 5868 Nittany Valley Drive, Lamar; Flying J, 5609 Nittany Valley Drive, Lamar; BP, 5600 Nittany Valley Drive, Lamar; Valero, 784 N. Mill St., Loganton; Lykens Market, 272 Main St., Beech Creek; and Valero, 5472 Nittany Valley Drive, Lamar.

The lowest gas price found in Centre County, according to Gasbuddy, was $3.70 at the Uni-Mart, in Howard.

This was followed by Hosterman & Stover, 188 W. Main St., Millheim, which was at $3.75 per gallon.

All other gas stations in the Centre County area topped out at $3.79 including: Valero, 150 Nittany Valley Dr., Zion; Weis Markets, 170 Buckaroo Lane, Bellefonte; Uni-Marts on South Atherton Street, State College, West College Avenue in Pleasant Gap and Mill Street in Milesburg; Millheim Food Mart, 169 W. Main St., Millheim; and Sam’s Club, 381 Benner Pike, State College.

In nearby Jersey Shore in Lycoming County, Gasbuddy reported gas prices at roughly $3.99 per gallon at the Nittany Minit Mart on Allegheny Street and Exxon on Bridge Street.

The Sheetz located on state Route 220 in Linden reportedly had its price at $3.79 per gallon.

Gasbuddy.com continually updates its figures on gas prices. It should be noted not all gas stations are included in their statistics in each area.