Up, Up and Up Goes the Price of Gas

Gasoline prices are rising on a daily basis these days. 

The California State Automobile Association released its monthly gas price survey today. It shows the average price for a gallon of unleaded regular in Northern California has risen to $4.17, a 27 cent leap from a month ago.

In the East Bay, the average price has jumped to $4.24, a 28 cent hike from a month ago. That's also a 16 cent increase from one week ago... an average of more than two cents a day.

In San Leandro, a gallon of unleaded regular now costs between $4.17 to $4.33, at least a 31 cent jump from . 

A year ago, the average price in the East Bay was $3.10. That's $1.14 less than it now costs.

Some drivers have little choice but to suck up the extra cost, and try to save elsewhere.

"I wouldn't drive except that I have to," said Rachel Omary, who was filling up Tuesday at the  gas station on Foothill Boulevard in San Leandro.

"It takes away a lot of money I could use for extracurricular activities with the kids," she said.

Omary said she was teaching her kids to use public transportation.

High gas prices can affect consumers' shopping patterns.

"Usually we can go to Costco. It takes us about an hour and a half to drive there and then we can save money on groceries," Omary said. "But now that the gas is more, it doesn't really matter where we buy our groceries, whether we get them in bulk or not." 

Some who have the option are switching to vehicles that use less gas. 

"I have a motorcycle I ride more than my truck now," said Jim Schmidt. Plus, Schmidt said, he now drives "as little as possible."

What's behind the rise?

The rise in gas prices has occurred despite the fact the demand for gasoline has decreased across the United States the past couple weeks.

Officials at AAA say the weak U.S. dollar as well as unrest in Libya, Syria, Yemen and other Middle East countries is helping fuel the rise.

However, they say the biggest cause is speculators on the commodities market.

"Investors continue to be the largest force driving the market price for oil," said Matt Skryja, an AAA Northern California spokesman. "Instability in the Middle East and North Africa still has them concerned about the world's supply of crude, which has helped keep oil prices on the rise."

Jay McKeeman, the vice president of government relations for the California Independent Oil Marketers Association, agrees.

He also blames speculators for the high price of gasoline.

"It's all because of the price of crude. As crude prices rise, the price of gas rises," McKeeman said.

Sean Comey, a spokesman for Chevron Corporation, said about two-thirds of the cost of gasoline comes from the price of crude oil. He added most of the rest of the price is due to federal, state and sales taxes.

Some critics contend oil companies should accept a smaller profit margin during these economic times. However, Comey said Chevron reinvests its earnings into exploring and developing new sources of oil and natural gas as well as producing alternative energy such as geothermal power.

He noted Chevron earned $19 billion in 2010, but it spent $22 billion on energy exploration and development. The company plans to spend $26 billion this year in its capital and exploratory budget.

Pump up those tires

Carlos Dasilva, assistant service manager at , had a few tips for drivers hoping to get better gas mileage.

"Keeping your maintenance up: tune-ups, oil changes, fuel system cleanings and tire pressure. The little things help," Dasilva said.

"Don't neglect your tires, you'd be surprised how much mileage you can get just by making sure the tire pressure is up," he added.