AAA's Fuel Gauge Report shows gas prices jumped 14 cents in just one week in the Myrtle Beach area. They're up 45 cents in just one month. The current price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the Myrtle Beach area right now is $3.37.
That's close to the nationwide average, which is $3.38 a gallon. A new Lundberg Survey says that's up 33-cents in two weeks, the second biggest price increase on record.
The prices spiked along with the Middle East uprisings. So far, there are no shortages, just worries. Now, the White House says it's considering tapping into the 727-million barrel U-S strategic oil reserves.
White House Chief of Staff William Daley said on NBC's Meet the Press Sunday, "It is something that only is done, has been done, on very rare occasions."
One oil analyst says there's political pressure for President Obama to lower prices. Peter Van Doren said, "You can say: 'I did something and you are better off.' What elected official wouldn't want that?"
Analysts say when gas gets above $4 a gallon, demand and prices drop. In parts of the country, $4 is now a reality.
AAA Carolinas offers a fuel cost calculator to help you save.
