Gas Prices Expecting Spring Spike

 

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.