Drivers are paying more than ever at the pumps for this time of year according to a new AAA report issued Sunday.
AAA Mid-Atlantic says prices increased by double digits this week in more areas of the country, including the Mid-Atlantic.
The price jump is due to several factors, including a rise in crude oil prices and some refineries either closing permanently or shutting down for maintenance, AAA said.
"Double digit weekly gains as a result of temporary refinery shut downs and increased crude oil prices, set the stage for motorists to see seasonal peak prices at the pump much sooner than expected," AAA Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs Specialist Jana L. Tidwell said in a statement.
"Last year, the national average gas price peaked at $3.94 per gallon early April, a price point that could be matched again this year."
This week, the national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline jumped 11 cents to $3.57 - 27 cents more than last month and 8 cents more than the price a year ago, according to AAA.
In the last two weeks, AAA says the price at the pumps jumped 24 cents, two of the most dramatic weeks for gas price spikes in nearly two years.
AAA says the current prices are expected to continue through February and March.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:49:33 GMT
You'll never believe who is dancing circles around these people. Meet the Allentown-area lady with the fancy footwork that leaves her disciples breathless!
You'll never believe who is dancing circles around these people. Meet the Allentown-area lady with the fancy footwork that leaves her disciples breathless!
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:13 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:13:58 GMT
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:04:07 GMT
Bucks County EMT Bryan Elwell is heading out to Oklahoma to help assist overwhelmed emergency responders dealing with the deadly tornado aftermath in Moore, just outside Oklahoma City. He's prepared
Two local EMTs are headed to Oklahoma to help victims and crews dealing with the aftermath of a deadly tornado.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:08:36 GMT
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:59 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:59:26 GMT
A man was critically injured Tuesday in New Castle by an explosion that happened while he opened an antique army ammunition box he picked up from his neighbors trash.
A man was critically injured Tuesday in New Castle by an explosion that happened while he opened an antique army ammunition box he picked up from his neighbors trash.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:01:25 GMT
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
