You’ve probably already noticed it, but just to confirm – yep, gas prices are spiking again. A streak of several weeks with prices at the pump going virtually unchanged has given way to a 12-cent-per-gallon increase in the past week, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. The average for a gallon of regular unleaded nationally is now at $2.17, and I didn’t see anybody under $2 a gallon locally driving around the Greater Augusta area today.
The big reason for the push – crude oil is at its highest level since Nov. 14, trading in the $58-per-barrel range after hitting a floor at $33.55 in January. Expectations of an economic recovery on the horizon could play a factor in a continuation of the trend toward price increases.
“For the first time in over a month, motorists were met with significant increases at the pump this week,” said Martha M. Meade, manger of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Due in part to signs that the economic recession may be turning around, slightly higher gas prices may be a sign that the summer driving season will bring increased demand as motorists take to the roads. Time will tell as Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, approaches in two weeks,” Meade said.
– Story by Chris Graham
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