Gas prices to skyrocket this spring

If you’re looking forward to spring, the government has news that may make you wish winter would stick around.

The Energy Department says Americans are in for an unpleasant surprise. When spring arrives, prices at the pump are going to skyrocket.

Government experts say gas prices will top $3.40 cents once we leave winter behind.

If their predictions come to pass it will mark the third straight year of record prices at the pump.

High oil prices are partly to blame, as a barrel of crude hovers near $100 — where it has been for months.

Also, the nation’s refineries are stretched to their limits during high traffic seasons like the spring and summer.

Recent surveys show Americans are making changes in response to the high cost of fuel.

A recent Nielsen survey says more than 40 percent of Americans are eating out less. More than three in ten of us are finding ways to entertain ourselves at home. And the survey says Americans are listening to expert recommendations about combining their trips and following other tips on how they can reduce their fuel consumption.

As of right now the average price of gas in our area is $3 a gallon for regular.