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Gasoline drips from a nozzle at gas station

This Feb. 23, 2012, file shows gasoline dripping from a nozzle at gas station, in Lake Oswego, Ore. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

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Gas Prices

Gasoline prices get early start on spring surge

Gasoline prices start spring surge

The average U.S. retail price rose 13 cents over the past two …

Commission OKs gas tax, registration fee hikes

Gas tax, registration fee hike proposed

A bipartisan state transportation commission says the state …

Gas prices surge 7 cents

After months of dropping, gas prices are back on the upswing.

Gasoline prices predicted to fall in 2013

Gas prices predicted to fall in 2013

Hamburger, health care and taxes are all set to take a bigger …

Oil price jumps as US averts 'fiscal cliff'

Oil price up as US averts fiscal cliff

The price of oil jumped by over a dollar on Wednesday, to above…

Gas prices already closing in on last year's high

An average of $3.90 per gallon

Updated: Monday, 26 Mar 2012, 10:42 AM CDT
Published : Monday, 26 Mar 2012, 10:42 AM CDT

CHRIS KAHN,AP Energy Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — The price of gasoline is less than a dime away from last year's high.

At an average of $3.90 per gallon, Americans have never paid more at this time of year and prices are expected to keep climbing with two months remaining before the traditional kickoff of the summer driving season.

Prices peaked last year in May at an average price of $3.98 per gallon. The all-time record is $4.11, set in July 2008 as the economy went into a tailspin.

Gasoline prices have risen this year along with the price of crude oil. Benchmark U.S. crude is up by 8 percent already. A barrel added another 7 cents to reach $106.93 Monday.

Natural gas prices are close to a 10-year low at $2.22 per 1,000 cubic feet.