GREENSBORO, N.C. — Gas prices in Greensboro are on the rise. In just the last week, drivers are paying nearly 12 cents more per gallon.
The latest GasBuddy data shows on average drivers in Greensboro are filling up for $3.55 a gallon.
While it feels higher, it's really typical for prices in the springtime.
"Gas prices spring up in the spring, they tend to taper off in the second half of the summer, they fall in the fall, they are low in the winter. As soon as we start to get past refinery maintenance season, I would expect they will start inching down once we peak as late as mid-June," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
One unexpected reason for the higher prices was a surprise announcement by OPEC it was cutting production.
When supply tightens up, oil prices go up and those costs are passed along to drivers at gas pumps.
"Even with oil prices down, OPEC had been maintaining the previously agreed production cuts, but now for them to go beyond that, was not expected. OPEC suddenly coming out without any sort of hints was surprising," said De Haan.
Overall it's really the season and time of year that drives prices, meaning the fact that you are paying more, is a seasonal thing.
"OPEC's impact will fade. The seasonality is going to be the bigger culprit if you're comparing prices from the beginning of the year until now," said De Haan.
So expect prices to keep rising. You'll be paying more until prices peak, which may take until mid-June.
You can always track the lowest gas prices near you on the WFMY News 2 website. Click here to find the gas station with the cheapest prices.