Biggest gas price increase in 2 years

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A new Energy Department report says the average American family spent nearly $3,000 for gasoline in 2012. That's 4 percent of their income, and a record high spending level that hasn't been seen in 30 years.

It was the biggest weekly price increase in two years. Gas prices went up by 18 cents the first week of February.

Ivan Gonzalez of Springfield told 22News “There's not much I can do though. I have to keep putting gas in my car”.

Many drivers say they try and shop around for cheaper prices before they fill up.

On East Columbus Avenue near exit 5 of I-91, people pay $3.65 per gallon of regular gas, but just half a mile down the road, it's $3.69. That 4 cent difference means a lot to those who are on a budget, and especially those who commute to work or school.

• Area Pump Prices

Hayley Bergeron of Holyoke said “I fill up at least two or three times a week. In Connecticut gas is about 20 cents more, so going to school there, it gets expensive, so I try to fill up here in Massachusetts”.

These high gas prices have more people thinking twice before they get in their car and drive anywhere.

Rebecca Lauterbach of Springfield said she conserves gas by combining all her trips into one if possible, and drive as little as possible. "And when I need to fill up, I fill up", said Lauterbach.

Experts say a combination of different factors led to this sudden increase:

• Crude oil prices have gone up.
• Refineries are now switching to a more expensive summer blend.
• There are renewed tensions in the Middle East.