BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Gas prices are creeping up again as uncertainty looms over deals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

AAA reports that the average price for a gallon of gas in Bellingham is $4.97.

It’s up three cents from a week ago and nearly 20 cents more than this time last month.

Whatcom County is within the below-average range compared to other parts of the state. Washington’s overall average is up at $5.13 a gallon, which is 8 cents higher from a month ago.

AAA says that summer demand is predicted to wind down after Labor Day Weekend, which could cool off gas prices.

But ongoing negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could push that slowdown further into the future, even if demand for gas declines.