The average price for gas here in Columbia is 3 dollars and 20 cents per gallon, more than 27 cents higher than it was this same time last year.
As driver's dig down deeper, many of them are questioning the reason for the increase.

AAA General Manager, Sam Torres tells ABC Columbia News there are several factors driving up the prices at the pump. An improving economy means more people are traveling and that is raising demand for gas. In addition, mounting tensions in Iran over economic sanctions, and the elimination of a federal subsidy on ethanol gas is also playing a factor.

Right now, there is no estimate for how high gas prices will go or when they'll level off. IN the meantime, AAA suggests people cut costs on their own by carpooling, investing in fuel economy cars or finding alternative modes of transportation.