Recent weeks have seen some of the most dramatic gas-price increases in years, with a 33-day stretch measured earlier this month yielding a 14% spike; it was the longest such streak since the price increased 44 cents in as many days in spring 2011, according to AAA.
“This year’s run-up is not only larger and faster than recent years but is beginning earlier,” AAA said in a statement.
AAA said one reason for the earlier price increase is a trend of U.S. refineries performing seasonal maintenance and switching over to summer-blend gas production earlier in the year. As refineries go offline, regional supplies can dwindle, squeezing supply.
“While the peak price this spring may approach the 2011 and 2012 highs, AAA continues to expect the high to be lower than both years,” AAA said.
The largest increase on record was between Aug. 5 and Sept. 4, 2005, when prices jumped 75% in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Former Assistant Managing Editor-News Matt Schmitz is a veteran Chicago journalist indulging his curiosity for all things auto while helping to inform car shoppers.