COLUMBUS, Ohio — Drivers across the Columbus area are paying sharply more at the pump, with the regional average reaching $4.52 per gallon after a 31-cent increase in one week. The latest average is 35.3 cents higher than a month ago and $1.45 above the same point last year, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 500 stations in Central Ohio cities. The increase is part of a broader price surge affecting Ohio and much of the country. Prices varied widely among Columbus-area stations Monday morning. The lowest reported price was $4.17 per gallon, while the highest was $4.79 — a difference of 62 cents per gallon. The statewide average rose 35.2 cents to $4.51 per gallon. Nationally, gasoline increased 18.5 cents to an average of $4.44, which is $1.30 higher than last year. Diesel prices also rose, increasing 30.7 cents to $6.49 per gallon. GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan said refinery disruptions in the Midwest are tightening regional supplies while overseas conflict is increasing uncertainty in global energy markets. He pointed to continuing attacks on Russian oil refineries, tensions involving the United States and Iran, Houthi attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as factors that could keep prices volatile. “Any broader directional change will depend heavily on overseas developments,” De Haan said, describing the outlook for consumers as uncertain. At $4.50 per gallon, filling a midsize vehicle would cost about $67. A 25-gallon tank in a large SUV or pickup would cost roughly $112.50, before taxes or other fees. The higher fuel costs are likely to be felt most by residents who depend on personal vehicles for work, school, medical appointments and other daily trips, particularly in communities with limited transit options. GasBuddy’s survey provides a snapshot of prices rather than a fixed rate for every station, and individual locations may change prices throughout the day.