Gas prices hit $3.02, but Southeast shortages could ease by weekend

The national average gas price has jumped to $3.02 per gallon — even as Colonial Pipeline restarts operations and federal officials say supply should normalize in hard-hit states by the end of the weekend. 

Prices across the country have risen eight cents over the past seven days, according to the Automobile Association of America.  Colonial, which operates the biggest oil pipeline in the nation, halted operations a week ago after it was hit by a crippling cyberattack believed to be orchestrated by a Russia-based criminal group. The company said it started resuming operations Wednesday evening and by Thursday morning, fuel was flowing to most of the markets it serves.