JACKSON (AP) — AAA says gas prices in Mississippi have risen an average of 20 cents a gallon due to Hurricane Ike.

AAA says motorists can expect higher prices.

AAA spokesman Don Redman says the average price for regular unleaded was $3.81 a gallon. The price averaged $3.61 a gallon before Ike came ashore in Texas over the weekend.

A check in the Jackson area on Monday found prices high as $4.49.

Redman says independent stations, which make spot purchases of fuel for resale, have had the highest retail prices. He says brand-name stations buy fuel on a monthly basis and many had locked in a cheaper price.

He says wholesale prices now are in the $4.50 to $4.75 range — before taxes and other costs are added.



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