Summer Gas Prices Aren't Going To Be Pretty
MIAMI (CBS4) - If you've filled up your tank in the last week or so, you know there is no escaping the 'pumped up' prices at the gas pumps.
The summer vacation driving season is still months away and many people are wondering just how high gas prices will go. In the last month, on average gas prices have increased about 30-cents a gallon from their already all-time high winter levels. Over the weekend gas prices jumped about 8-cents to a national average of $3.37 for a gallon of unleaded regular.
Florida is averaging $3.40 a gallon but drivers in South Florida are paying a bit more than that. In Ft. Lauderdale unleaded regular is averaging $3/44 a gallon, drivers in Miami-Dade are paying a bit more - $3.47 a gallon.
The increases are due to unrest in Libya and other nations which produce oil. For some it has brought back memories of 2008 when unleaded gas prices topped four bucks a gallon nationwide after oil hit near record highs. Analysts don't expect a repeat of that this time and while gas may near $4 a gallon it probably won't top it.
The rising gas prices will not just affect your summer road trip. If you have plans to fly to your destination, get ready for sticker shock. Airlines have increased their fares four times since the start of 2011 because of fuel-related increases. They've also hiked fees for extra bags and overweight luggage and added a surcharge for traveling during peak periods.
Analysts say we can expect fewer cheap airline seats this summer because demand is up over last year.
