Community Corner

Gwinnett Gas Prices Headed Up

During the past two weeks, the cost for a gallon of gas has risen 25 cents, the biggest jump in almost a year.

Yes, it's true -- gas prices in Gwinnett are going up. In just the past 26 days, the cost at the pumps has steadily increased.

And in the past two weeks, the cost of a gallon of gas has jumped 25 cents. The average price of a gallon of gas is now $3.59 nationally.

In Peachtree Corners the price is averaging around $3.45, according to GasBuddy.com and $3.55.6 in metro Atlanta.

Find out what's happening in Gwinnettwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In Suwanee, the lowest price Wednesday (February 20) was $3.67, according to Georgiagasprices.com. In Snellville, it was $3.64

What's driving the prices up? The increased cost of crude oil, oil refinery shutdowns and speculation say the experts. The cost is not expected to drop until spring.

Find out what's happening in Gwinnettwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“This is a very early rise,” says Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst at the Oil Price Information Service. “January has tended to be a quiet month through the years, but the rally really began in earnest around Jan. 15," according to a report in the Christian Science Monitor.

Gas prices typically rise in February as refineries shut down for maintenance to prepare for the busy summer driving season. Speculation that the global economy is improving is part of the earlier-than-usual price increase.

Prices are expected to inch up until April but are not expected to reach the 2011 high of $3.94 according to Michael Green a spokesman for AAA.

Do you think as consumers we've finally reached our limit on the high price of gas? Or will we just get used to paying the higher prices and continue buying and driving less-than fuel efficient automobiles?


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