A gas station is pictured Friday morning in Jamestown with a gallon of regular fuel at $4.19. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

Gas prices have spiked in the last 24 hours, causing a pain at the pump for many local motorists.

As of Friday morning, a gallon of regular unleaded fuel was $4.19; prices jumped past the $4 mark on Thursday.

According to AAA, the increase comes amid an increase in demand for gasoline and the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia. On Wednesday, West Texas Intermediate ended the day at $110.60 per barrel after briefly hitting $116.57, a high that hasn’t been seen since 2008.

“Consumers should prepare in case gasoline prices rise even further,” said Jim Garrity, director of public affairs, AAA East Central. “At this point, all eyes are on crude oil, which accounts for 50 to 60 cents of each dollar you spend at the pump. But, we’re right around the corner from demand increasing and the sale of summer blend gasoline, which are both trends that typically push prices higher in the spring.”

By Thursday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning, said he and others in congress sent the president a letter calling for a series of actions to address the spike in gas prices.

“As gas prices across the district soar to $4 a gallon and more, it proves yet again how completely asinine it is that we have cut off our domestic natural gas and oil supplies. Instead of bowing to the environmental extremists in his party, President Biden needs to exercise real leadership and unleash America’s natural resources now,” Reed said. “Not only is it crucial for our national security, it is vital for the American people who are suffering from the pain of inflation.”