HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that would raise the minimum wage statewide.

The bill would raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $11 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2027. The minimum wage would then increase to $13 per hour in 2028 and finally $15 per hour in 2029.

Representatives voted 104-95 to pass House Bill 2189, which is sponsored by Rep. Jason Dawkins, the House Democratic Communications Office announced Tuesday.

If the bill passes, counties would have the option to implement the $15 per hour minimum wage sooner than 2029. The bill would also set the minimum wage for tipped employees at 60% of the statewide minimum wage.

Pennsylvania’s minimum wage was last raised in 2009 when the federal minimum wage was increased to $7.25, House Democrats wrote in a press release.

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

“Research shows that increasing the minimum wage does not lead to job losses or business closures,” Dawkins said. “What it does lead to is financial security and better life outcomes for families relying on minimum wage work. To my colleagues in the Senate, I implore you to take up this bill and finally raise the wage in Pennsylvania.”

HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN CO. (WOLF) — Gas prices across Pennsylvania are nearing $4 per gallon, reaching their highest point in several years.

As of March 23, the statewide average stands at about $3.94 per gallon, according to AAA.

Analysts say current prices are now at their highest level since late 2023, with national averages also approaching levels last seen during the 2022–2023 surge.

The last time prices were significantly higher in Pennsylvania was in June 2022, when the average peaked at around $5.07 per gallon, the highest on record.

The increase marks the 24th consecutive day of rising gas prices across the Commonwealth.

The national average has also climbed, reaching approximately $3.96 per gallon, as global energy markets remain volatile.

Diesel prices have surged even more sharply. AAA reports the Pennsylvania average is now about $5.67 per gallon, reflecting significant increases tied to global supply concerns.

Analysts point to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to key shipping routes as major factors driving prices higher. Oil prices have climbed above $90 per barrel, adding pressure across all fuel types.

Across the country, California continues to have the highest gas prices, while states in the Midwest remain among the lowest. Current prices are now the highest seen since late 2023.

Pennsylvania Gas Price Trend

Prices have steadily climbed since late February:

• Feb. 27 — about $3.10 per gallon
• Feb. 28 — above $3.15
• March 1 — surpassed $3.20
• March 2 — near $3.24
• March 3 — about $3.28
• March 4 — above $3.30
• March 5 — around $3.35
• March 6 — high $3.30s, some above $3.40
• March 7 — about $3.45
• March 8 — about $3.50
• March 9 — near $3.55
• March 10 — around $3.60
• March 11 — about $3.65
• March 12 — about $3.66
• March 13 — around $3.67
• March 14 — about $3.69
• March 15 — about $3.70
• March 16 — about $3.72
• March 17 — about $3.74
• March 18 — about $3.80
• March 19 — about $3.81
• March 20 — about $3.82
• March 21 — about $3.85
• March 22 — about $3.93
• March 23 — about $3.94

Gas Prices in Nearby States

Drivers in Pennsylvania continue to pay slightly more than those in surrounding states, though prices are rising across the region:

• New Jersey: about $3.88 per gallon
• New York: about $3.90 per gallon
• Ohio: about $3.74 per gallon
• Delaware: about $3.70 per gallon

Northeast Pennsylvania Prices

Northeast Pennsylvania remains among the most expensive regions in the state, with many stations now charging between $3.90 and $4.10 per gallon, especially along major roadways and in metro areas.

Lowest Gas Prices in Pennsylvania

Prices still vary widely by region, with the lowest prices remaining in western Pennsylvania:

• $3.15/gallon — Valero, Dixonville (Indiana County)
• $3.17/gallon — Sunoco, Aliquippa (Beaver County)
• $3.18/gallon — 7-Eleven, Pittsburgh area
• $3.20/gallon — Citgo, Smock (Fayette County)

Cheapest Gas in Northeast and Central PA

Scranton / Lackawanna County:

• Conoco — Clarks Summit — about $3.70/gallon
• Dileo’s — Wyoming — about $3.71/gallon
• Fuel Up — Wyoming — about $3.71/gallon
• Kwik Fill — Nicholson — about $3.71/gallon

Wilkes-Barre / Luzerne County:

• Best — Wilkes-Barre — about $3.72/gallon
• US Gas — Kingston — about $3.75/gallon

Hazleton area:

• Fuel On — Hazleton — about $3.78/gallon
• 7-Eleven — Hazleton — about $3.78/gallon

Schuylkill County:

• Turkey Hill — Shenandoah — about $3.45/gallon
• Pilot/Conoco — Pine Grove — about $3.48/gallon
• Pereira’s — Tamaqua — about $3.52/gallon

Monroe County:

• BrightStar Fuel — Brodheadsville — about $3.80/gallon
• Gulf — Brodheadsville — about $3.80/gallon
• Wawa — East Stroudsburg — about $3.85/gallon

Lycoming County:

• Sam’s Club — Muncy — about $3.10/gallon
• Exxon — Williamsport — about $3.12/gallon