Business roundup: Western Pennsylvania gasoline prices creeping up; more

Gas prices climb in W.Pa.

Gasoline prices in Western Pennsylvania continued their February climb, though at a slower pace than prices on the West Coast.

The average price in the region rose 4.3 cents to $2.40 per gallon during the past week, according to online analyst GasBuddy.com's survey of 731 Pittsburgh-area stations. Local pump prices remain down about $1.23 from this time last year, but they are up 7.5 cents from a month ago.

The global crash of oil prices that prompted gasoline's plunge has leveled off during the past six weeks because American refineries' maintenance season, which usually results in an increase in fuel prices, kicked in early.

The national average flirted with $2 and many states had averages below that in January because of the glut in oil driven by increased shale production and flat demand. Now, only two states in the Rockies have averages below $2.

Google, wireless companies team up to combat Apple Pay

Google is teaming up with three major American wireless carriers to prod more people into using its mobile wallet in hopes of undercutting Apple's latest hit service.

The counterattack, announced Monday, is the latest example of how the competition between Google and Apple is extending beyond the technology industry's traditional boundaries. In addition to payments, Silicon Valley's two richest companies are expanding into fields such as home appliances and cars to increase their power and profits.

Google's latest volley calls for its payment service to be built into Android smartphones sold by AT&T, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile this year.

Mylan exclusive distributor of hepatitis C drugs in India

Mylan Inc. said it is the exclusive distributor in India of two hepatitis C drugs, Solvaldi and Harvoni, under an agreement with Gilead Sciences Inc.

Cecil-based Mylan has deals with Foster City, Calif.-based Gilead to manufacture and distribute generic Solvaldi in 91 developing countries.

The companies work together to sell HIV/AIDS drugs in India and other developing countries.

Darden names new CEO

Darden Restaurants named Gene Lee its CEO on Monday, giving the head job to the interim leader and former chief operating officer.

Lee has been running Darden Restaurants since October, shortly after activist investor Starboard Value replaced the company's board of directors.