Gas prices rose in Akron by 15.5 cents over the past week, now averaging $3.19 per gallon.

That’s actually higher than the national average, which is now $3.03 per gallon. 

According to gasbuddy.com, though, there could be some good news for consumers ahead.

Gasbuddy Head  of Petroleum Analysis, Patrick De Haan, says he expects the price of oil per barrel to remain in the $60 range, refinery maintenance to be complete soon,  and seasonally declining demand will push the national average below $3.00 per gallon by Christmas.

In the meantime; you can expect lots of extra company on the road next week as you head out for Thanksgiving. AAA is predicting 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home, from next Tuesday, November 25, through Monday, December 1.

This year‘s domestic travel forecast includes an additional 1.6 million travelers compared to last Thanksgiving, setting a new overall record.

Thanksgiving is, they say, the single busiest holiday for travel, compared to others like memorial Day, and July 4.