Drivers are just weeks away from a springtime spike in gas prices, according to AAA.
AAA predicts pump prices will likely tick up to as much as $2.70 a gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, a price not seen since summer of 2015.
Despite recent weekly price dips, nearly half the country is seeing an increase in fuel costs.
The current national average sits at $2.53/gallon. That’s about 23 cents more than this time last year.
The volatility is caused by strong domestic gasoline demand and new U.S. oil production records, said Jeanette Casselano, a AAA spokesperson.
Twenty-five percent of Americans say if prices reach $2.75 they would consider putting the brakes on some habits, including shopping or dining less often.
Looking past spring, drivers could see prices reach $3 per gallon this summer, according to the Oil Price Information Service.
