BALTIMORE (WJZ) — If you’ve pumped gas in the past week, you were sure to notice that prices have been on a steady incline.

Mike Schuh has more on the increase.

Gas prices are showing no signs of slowing down, and AAA is reporting it could be fall before you see relief at the pump.

Typically during August, gas prices tend to drop. But since last week, the national average for a gallon of regular has gone up 12 cents to $3.61.

The increase could have something to do with refineries using more expensive blends in the summer.

“The EPA requires refineries to use a cleaner burning fuel during the summer months.  That requirement is not in place in the fall when we usually see prices going down a little bit,” said Ragina Averella, AAA.

AAA does expect those numbers to fall after Labor Day. But until then we’ll have to reach deeper into our pockets at the pump.

So if you have to fill up today, here’s a look at the current average in Maryland.  Right now for a gallon of regular, you are likely to pay $3.57 a gallon.  That’s up 22 cents since this time last month and nine cents since last week.  But it’s still not as bad as the $3.70 we were paying this time last year.

“Most analysts are projecting that gas prices will remain flat thru the month of August or possibly increase a bit,” said Averella.

 AAA says we’ll need to keep an eye on the tropics for the rest of hurricane season.  Any disruption to refineries due to Mother Nature could push gas prices up even more.

Click here to find the best gas prices in your neighborhood.