Gasoline 7 cents costlier in 2 weeks

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29 (UPI) -- The average U.S. cost of a gallon of gasoline rose 7 cents to $1.72 a gallon for regular unleaded at a self serve pump, it was reported Sunday.

The Lundberg Survey found nine U.S. cities where a gallon of gasoline cost more than $2, CNN reported.

The survey of 7,000 gasoline service stations reflected higher prices for crude oil and the increased cost to refiners of meeting new environmental regulations.

Crude oil was selling for more than $36 a barrel at the Feb. 27 conclusion of the latest survey, survey published Trilby Lundberg said.

Gasoline prices have risen 25 cents a gallon since late December.