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.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:28:14 GMT
It was quite a gloomy Sunday as the whole area remain socked in with low clouds & fog, drizzle and scattered showers.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. The difference is it will really warm up -- temperatures soar into the 80s by Tuesday. That mild and humid air mass will feul afternoon thunderstorms.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:27 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:27:52 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:25:28 GMT
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
