The average prices of gasoline and diesel both increased for the ninth consecutive week.

According to the Korea National Oil Corporation’s price information system, Opinet, Saturday, the average price of a liter of gasoline rose four-point-three won on-week in the second week of December to one-thousand-646-point-two won, or about one U.S. dollar and 15 cents.

The average price of diesel climbed six-point-nine won per liter to one-thousand-489-point-two won per liter.

International oil prices increased this week due to expectations of a December interest rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve, strengthened Western sanctions against Russia, and escalating instability in the Middle East.

As changes in international oil prices are typically reflected in domestic gas station prices with a two- to three-week delay, both gasoline and diesel prices are expected to continue rising next week.