Higher gas prices not expected to decrease soon

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - You've probably already noticed gas prices are climbing, and they're not coming back down. According to AAA, gas prices across the country are the highest we've seen since summer of 2015, and they are still rising.

"It happens every spring," AAA of Alabama's Clay Ingram explained the calendar has a lot to do with the climb, and these price spikes at the pump are pretty typical this time of year. "We start using more and more as the warmer gets warmer,"

That doesn't leave drivers feeling any less frustrated.

"Filling up your car with $25 to $35 to $40, it makes a big difference," said driver Shawda Love.  "It's financially burdening,"

Here's the discouraging news: The Energy Information Administration says consumer demand for gasoline is at it's highest level ever for the month of April, exceeding the typical summer demand.

"It's too high," complained Kevin Lewis. "It's digging in everybody's pocket,"

Alabama's gas prices are up more than $.15 from a month ago, and almost $.40 a gallon from this time last year. There is a silver lining. Alabama is still way below the national average,  and there's still hope that we'll stay under the $3 mark.

"It's always hard to predict gas prices, but at this point, it doesn't look like we're going to get over the $3 per gallon mark as far as our state average goes," Ingram said.

Ingram said there are some things drivers can do to drive down prices.

"Fuel conservation, use as little as you can," Ingram suggested. "The other tool we have is price shopping. What I mean by that is paying attention to the prices in your normal travel area on a day to day basis and figure out where the lowest prices are and make an effort to buy your gas there as often as  you can,"

AAA forecasts that two-thirds of the 88 million families taking a vacation this summer plan to drive to their destination. With more expensive gas prices on the horizon, it's a good idea to start planning now for the additional costs.

The most expensive gas prices right now are in Hawaii, California, and Washington. All of those states are seeing averages over $3.

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