Motorists are filling up to some of the most expensive gas prices seen in over a year. Currently, gas prices in Virginia are at $2.54, 14 cents more than last week and a 31-cent increase from last year, according to a release Monday from AAA Tidewater Virginia.

With the forced shutdown of Gulf Coast and some Midwest refineries due to last week’s winter weather, gasoline stocks have tightened, and gas prices have skyrocketed. On the week, 66 percent of state averages spiked by double digits (10-22 cents), driving the national average up by 13 cents to $2.63. That is the most expensive national average since October 2019.

“When close to 40 percent of U.S. crude production is offline because refineries are closed, there is going to be pain at the pump until operations resume,” said AAA Tidewater spokesperson Holly Dalby. “The good news is the nearly two dozen impacted refiners are expected to restart operations this week, if they haven’t already. That means regular gasoline deliver...