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Rising Gas Prices Bringing Hardship In Chicago, Nationwide

CHICAGO (CBS) -- AAA Chicago is using the word "volatile" to describe gas prices over the past month, but mainly, the trend is decidedly upward.

As WBBM Newsradio's Regine Schlesinger reports, AAA says its fuel gauge report says gas prices in February were the highest ever for this time of year. Judging how March is starting, it might not ease.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Regine Schlesinger reports

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On Thursday morning, ChicagoGasPrices.com showed prices in the city of Chicago ranging from $4.19 to $4.35 per gallon. That highest figure is at the BP station at 1607 W. Fullerton Ave., between Ashland and Clybourn avenues.

Suburban prices are lower, but even in the suburbs, prices are hovering near $4 in many places. The lowest price, at the Sam's Club at 141 W. North Ave. in Northlake, is still a fairly high $3.54.

Families are beginning to feel the pinch, according to a new CBS News survey.

"Most Americans – 67 percent – say gas prices have caused a financial hardship in their households, including 38 percent who described that hardship as serious," said CBS News survey associate Jennifer DePinto.

Since the beginning of the year, gas prices are up an average of 45 cents per gallon.

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