Gas Prices Continue To Climb, 18 Cent Increase Since Feb. 1

In the past month, gas prices have jumped 35 cents and have increased 18 cents since February 1, AAA Mid-Atlantic said Sunday.

Gas prices have now increased 29 straight days.

According to AAA, gas prices rose by 7 cents to a national average of $3.64 per gallon on Friday, 12 cents higher than prices a year ago. AAA says the current national average prices mark the most expensive ever for this time of year.

Crude oil prices remain the biggest factor in the current averages. AAA says crude oil was negatively affected by disappointing economic data from Europe, despite positive employment data in the U.S.

"Since mid-January, the price of fuel has been propelled higher by more expensive crude oil, but more notably by regional refinery issues and the approaching switchover to summer-blend gasoline," Jana L. Tidwell of AAA Mid-Atlantic said in a statement.

"As temporary production concerns are addressed, AAA expects price increases to slow."

AAA says the national average may continue to increase through April but will peak during the spring at a lower price than in 2011, based on its current predictions.