Gas prices climb as summer demand grows

Gas prices across the U.S. have steadily risen this week due to increased demand ahead of summer, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Last week, AAA calculated the national average gas price was $3.55 cents per gallon. Today, it’s risen to $3.59 per gallon. 

Some states are seeing even bigger leaps. In Florida, gas has soared from $3.34 to $3.47 per gallon over the last seven days. Illinois’ state average has also jumped 13 cents per gallon, and Texas has seen a roughly seven cent spike all within a week's time.

AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins attributed the hike to increased demand ahead of the summer season.

“Summer hasn’t officially begun, but the driving season is off to a roaring start," he wrote. 

Continuing, he said "Gasoline demand figures from the past few weeks have been stronger” than this time last year, causing “volatility at the gas pump” that’s “perfectly normal” given the circumstances. 

Despite the recent price jump, Jenkins pointed out that so long as “oil prices remain low,” the “state average should remain below this year’s high of $3.72 per gallon."

U.S. oil dropped to $66.89 per barrel on Monday, but crawled back to 69.66 per barrel as of Wednesday morning.

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