Here's why N.C. gas prices are surging

Gas prices are climbing and hit the highest price in three years this week.

Nationwide, the average rose to $2.72 per gallon on Tuesday, according to AAA Carolinas.

In Charlotte, prices are below national numbers, with an average of $2.59. That's almost 9 cents higher than the week before.

The lowest price in the Charlotte area was $2.39 on Tuesday, according to GasBuddy, an app that tracks gas prices.

Drivers may not get relief any time soon.

“Expensive crude oil prices, unrest in the Middle East and strong domestic demand, are some of the factors driving spring gas prices toward new heights,” AAA Carolinas spokeswoman Tiffany Wright said in a Monday statement. “Gas prices could increase another 5 to 10 cents this season, but right now we don’t expect we’ll see the $3 mark.” ​

Oil prices are surging to the highest level since 2014 because of "fears of military action in Syria and trade conflict with China," according to GasBuddy.

U.S. oil inventories are 20 percent lower than a year ago because of higher crude oil exports and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ agreement to cut oil production, according to GasBuddy. Other factors include refinery maintenance season and a switch to summer gasoline, both of which are ending soon.

This story was originally published April 17, 2018 at 10:03 AM with the headline "Here's why N.C. gas prices are surging."