Gas prices for February have picked up right where they left off last month, heading in an upward cycle.  "It's hard to say what direction gas prices will go.  Typically in spring the demand for gasoline tends to rise as the weather warms and more motorists take to the roads," said Christine Delise, Public Affairs, AAA Mid Atlantic.

Last month crude oil traded at record high levels for the beginning of the year, translating to the highest gas prices ever for the month.  "But we are hopeful that prices will mirror what they did last year, when they did rise in the spring, but then went on a downward slope for the rest of the year," continued Delise.

The average price of regular unleaded in Maryland is $3.52.  If you purchase gas at the Shell, on West Patrick Street, you will pay $3.55 for a gallon.  The Citgo, in Brunswick, Md., is $3.53 a gallon, and the BP on Lander Road, in Jefferson, Md., is $3.59 a gallon. 

"Although many analysts believe we could see record-setting gas prices by spring, this will likely depend on developments that arise in the Middle East and throughout international financial markets, impacting crude oil.  Unseasonably mild winter weather would lead some to expect crude oil (and in turn gas prices) would decline, yet we're seeing upwards of a 10 cent increase in gas prices this week, leaving motorists with more questions than answers."