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Gas Prices On The Rise

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Gas prices across the Twin Cities are slowly on the rise. Prices are up more than 10 cents from the end of April.

On Monday night, the average price for gasoline was $2.22 a gallon.

The experts expect a busy driving season and higher gas prices for consumers.

The price of Bobby's and Steve's in Minneapolis, $2.19, is lower than the average cost for gas across the Twin Cities.

Although prices are inching up from where they were a month ago, many expect them to go up even further as the driving season gets underway.

For the past several months, Minnesotans have been treated to low prices at the gas pump.

Some even saw gas under $2 a gallon.

According to AAA, gas has inched up to the highest it's been in six months.

"Right now the average price is $2.22 across the country," said Sabrina Capriolo.

AAA's Capriolo says supply and demand is driving the price up.

"There is an increase in demand, there are people who are looking to drive more," Capriolo said.

The experts predict 2016 will be a record year for both gasoline consumption and annual miles traveled.

Capriolo says many Midwest refineries are coming back on line early, after spring maintenance. The question is will they be able to keep up with the expected increase in demand.

"And they're probably going to go up again," said Jenna Anderson.

AAA expects the price of gas to rise as the weather gets better, but it does not think the price will rise much above $2.50 a gallon.

"We're probably going to see the supply stabilize the prices as time goes on," said Capriolo.

Most people we spoke with are not upset with what they call a small jump in gas prices.

"It was $4.50 a while ago. I have no reason to complain at all," said one driver.

Many remember 2014 and record gas prices. What we pay today, for many, is a deal.

"Compared to the last few years they're actually the lowest we've seen since 2009," Capriolo said.

AAA expects the increase in price to be steady and gradual and then dip back down in the fall.

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