GAS PRICES CONTINUE TO INCREASE IN THE TRI CITIES. THIS DUE TO CRUDE OIL HOVERING AROUND THE 80 DOLLAR PER BARREL MARK IN TRADING. ACCORDING TO THE LATEST AAA EAST TENNESSEE FUEL GAUGE REPORT, THE BIGGEST SPIKE WAS IN BRISTOL TENNESSEE/VIRGINIA WHERE REGULAR UNLEADED JUMPED TO 2.56 CENTS A GALLON. BOTH KINGSPORT AND JOHNSON CITY SAW THEIR STATIONS RAISE PRICES BY SEVEN CENTS.