Gas prices keep climbing in South Bend.

The average price for a gallon of unleaded now averages $2.71 in South Bend to start the week, according to GasBuddy.com.

Prices in South Bend have risen steadily for the past several weeks, and are currently about 60 cents per gallon higher than they were on this day last year. The national average went up 6 cents last week to $2.53 per gallon.

Analyst Patrick DeHaan says a number of factors are to blame, including higher-than-expected demand and autumn refinery maintenance.