U.S. gas average hits $3.72 per gallon, up 30 cents in month

The price of gasoline rose for the 21st straight day today, with consumers now paying an average of $3.72 a gallon nationwide—about 24 cents more than before the streak began and 30 cents more than a month ago. The winter surge is being driven primarily by the rising price of oil, which has been above $100 a barrel since Feb. 10 as tensions mount between the West and Iran over the latter’s nuclear ambitions. Prices are highest in Alaska, California, New York, Connecticut and Hawaii, where gas is selling for $4.32 a gallon. Nationwide, gasoline prices are 10% higher than a year ago—and at their highest level ever for the end of February. Baton Rouge remains just below the national average, with local prices ranging from $3.46 to $3.61 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.com. The rising price of oil isn’t the only factor driving pump prices higher. Every year, refineries must temporarily shut down their facilities in order to prepare them for the production of cleaner-burning gasoline that’s required in summer. This briefly constrains gasoline supplies and puts upward pressure on prices. Analysts say the national average could peak in late April as high as $4.25 per gallon.