Gas prices just took a big leap — and here’s why

Gas prices jumped by 9.6 cents in the Miami area over the past week, costing drivers an average of $2.28 a gallon on Sunday, according to a survey of area stations by GasBuddy.com.

Across the country, prices went up about 8 cents to $2.22 a gallon.

And more increases are on the way.

“While we may not see as such a sharp rise this week, we aren’t out of the woods just yet,” said Patrick DeHaan, a senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.

DeHaan said gas prices could continue to rise until Memorial Day at the end of May.

Gas prices could rise another 8 to 10 cents this week, said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins.

He said the increases are in line with seasonal and industry trends in oil pricing, as well as a greater demand for gas by drivers.

Despite the trend, prices are 39 cents lower than a year ago and $1.48 lower than two years ago, according to AAA.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 5:56 AM with the headline "Gas prices just took a big leap — and here’s why."