Since then we have seen a gradual increase until prices are now equal to a month ago. We expect prices to continue higher during the spring, but the rate of increase depends on the amount of speculation that occurs.

Since then we have seen a gradual increase until prices are now equal to a month ago.

Motorists might seen prices stabilize over the next week or two, but that could only be a temporary pause. Upward pressure on gas prices will increase in February due to reduced production as refineries rush to finish the changeover from producing winter grade to summer grade fuel before the March 1 deadline.

Motorists might see prices stabilize over the next week or two, but that could only be a temporary pause.

Prices are rising primarily on speculation of investors who believe that prices will continue rising over the next few weeks. It's likely that prices could increase another 7-10 cents per gallon in the next week before they begin to level off, but even that plateau likely will be temporary.

We don't know if that's going to cause some people to change their minds. Historically when gas prices have gone up, people have not changed their minds.