BRIEFS. Consumer affairs

Gas prices set to rise once again

In a move that consumers are painfully getting used to, gas prices are expected to rise this week.

They will now be an average of 37 percent higher than they were in January 2007, government officials said.

As oil prices hovered around $100 per barrel, local prices were expected to reflect that price increase.

The government-suggested prices are now $3.48 for 95 octane, up 21 cents, and $3.36 for 91 octane, an increase of 15 cents.

These are the suggested prices, and the government has little control over what any individual station can charge for gas, officials noted.

Diesel fuel also increased in price, going up 5 cents a gallon to a suggested price of $3.14.