Gas up

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline rose 8.58 cents in the past two weeks to just above $3.70 on Friday, according to the latest Trilby Lund berg survey of 2,500 gas stations in the continental US, mirroring the rise in the price per barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude, which jumped to $99.87, up from $96.20.

Citi simplifies

Citigroup plans to launch its revamped Sim plicity credit card today, which features no late fees, no penalty rate and a single interest rate for purchases, balance trans fers and cash advances. The card carries a 16.99 percent interest rate.

Apple scrap

Chinese authorities in the southwestern city of Kunming have launched a sweeping investigation of electronics stores after media reports said one retail outlet seemed to be copying Apple Inc.’s store format, WSJ.com reported.

Rocket sale

United Technologies is considering a partial sale or other strategic options for its rocket-engine busi ness. No formal talks are under way with prospec tive bidders, and Rocket dyne also is mulling po tential acquisitions or joint ventures, WSJ.com said.