More Pain At The Pump As Gas Prices Continue To Skyrocket

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.