Paying additional pennies at the pump is becoming more commonplace for consumers as local gas prices reflect national price hikes and an increase in demand.

Factors such as converting more crude oil to heating oil and the lessening supply of gasoline are responsible for the gas price hike, said Charles Guyer manager of State College Texaco South, 1310 S. Atherton St.

"If they're taking more heating oil, the gas supply comes down and the price goes up," Guyer said.

Prices at State College Texaco South have recently increased by 4 cents, making regular, medium and high-grade gasoline $1.59, $1.79 and $1.93, respectively.

According to www.fuelgaugereport.com, the national average of regular grade gasoline was $1.59 yesterday, compared to the national average of $1.46 a year ago. The average price of regular gas in Pennsylvania is $1.60, according to the Web site.

Jacqueline Gorcesky (senior-elementary education) said prices are less expensive in State College than where she lives.

"It's $1.80 for regular in New York. I try to get here and fill the tank. I don't think it's that bad here," she said.

In response to expensive gasoline, Gorcesky bought a newer, smaller car that uses less fuel.

"I used to drive a Chevy Impala. To go to Scranton, it would cost $35 a week," she said. "I'd throw all my paycheck into it. I had to get rid of it."

According to the Energy Information Administration at www.eia.doe.gov, the average crude oil price per barrel rose to $32.10 in December from $31.15 in November 2003.

Barrel prices this winter are expected to be 19 cents higher than last winter's average. Low oil inventories and a high demand are cited as being predominantly responsible for the price increase.

Kyle Barder (junior-crime, law and justice) lives about four hours away and said the price increase impacts those students who live closer to the university more than him or his friends.

"I'm not really that much affected. I'm sure a lot of people are [affected]. People who live closer, like two hours away, might be more affected," he said.

Guyer said that if the demand lessens, the price would decrease as well. So far, however, he has not noticed business slowing.

"By the looks of it we're going to have to go up higher ... you never know when the prices will come back down," he said.

Graham's Exxon, 815 S. Allen St., recently raised its prices by 8 cents in order to meet the demand and match the prices of its suppliers, but employees have not noticed a decline in business. Last year at this time, prices were only raised by 5 to 6 cents.

"Being a full-service station, people tend to not want to get out of their cars in the cold," manager Larry Johnsonbaugh said. "A lot of older people and a lot of professors who don't like to get their hands dirty or get out of the car keep us busy," Johnsonbaugh added.

Pamela Moyer (junior-human development and family studies) said it cost $13 to fill her car with half a tank of gas this week. She added that the hike is a big deal.

"Gas is cheaper at home, but not by much, around 10 cents," she said.