Gas prices rise

WASHINGTON - In its weekly survey of Dec. 20, the US Energy Department reports that the average price for regular gas in the New England States (in which they include Pennsylvania) rose 5.5 cents in the past week to $2.279. That represents an increase of $.114 from the recent average low price of $2.165, two weeks ago, but remains $.179 below the average $2.458 of October 31.