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SALINAS, Calif.- We all might start wishing winter would last a bit longer as gas prices increase as the spring and summer months draw near.
The national average for a gallon of regular is $3.73, but that would be a bargain on the Monterey Peninsula.
California is already 43 cents more at $4.16. This is the highest price so far, for the month of February. For 32 straight days, the price at the pump has gone up. This could hurt the economy because, generally, when you spend more at the pump, you spend less at the mall.
So, why is it happening?
Officials say many refineries are switching over to summer blends, which takes gas supply down and prices, up. Analysts said gas prices aren't done rising yet.
In Salinas, the average today was $4.05. That's up 12 cents from a week ago. In Santa Cruz, it's at $3.98. That's still up a nickel from last week.
Where does your money go?
For every dollar of gas you put in your car, 13 percent goes to taxes, 11 percent distribution and marketing, 8 percent refining and the biggest chunk at 68 percent is crude oil.
