Gas Prices In Maryland Soar To 6-Month High

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Pain at the pump. With the arrival of spring, gas prices soar to a six-month high. According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, it's going to get worse.

Linh Bui explains what's behind the surge.

We have not seen prices this high since September of last year.

Gas prices are rising, and Maryland drivers have noticed.

"Oh gosh. I'd say like $80 to fill it up," said Pam Haley, Glen Burnie.

AAA Mid-Atlantic is calling it "March Mayhem."

"Prices nationwide, as well as in Maryland, are at a six-month high," said Christine Delise, AAA spokesperson.

Baltimore matches the national average at $3.53 per gallon. The state average is a penny more.

"I have six miles until empty, so I have to get some," Haley said.

Gas prices typically go up this time of year as refineries undergo maintenance. The disruption in supply and production puts pressure on prices.

"Refineries are conducting their seasonal maintenance right now to prepare for the production of summer blend gasoline, which is a little bit more environmentally friendly," Delise said.

To ease the pain for drivers, "At All Cost Ministry" held a gas giveaway in Glen Burnie. For two hours Saturday, customers got 25 cents off per gallon.

"People are hurting these days. And just to save that little bit of money, people are just so grateful, and the cars are lining up," said pastor James Teague, At All Cost Ministry.

More than 400 cars filled up during the event.

"It's great! It's great they've giving back to the community," said Samantha Becerra, Glen Burnie.

Gas prices are expected to peak between $3.55 and $3.75 a gallon sometime in late March or early April, but relief is on the way. Prices should drop slightly when we head into summer.

It's an EPA mandate that by May 1, all gas stations must be selling the summer blend gasoline instead of the winter blend.

The current average price is actually cheaper than a year ago, when gas cost $3.68 a gallon in Maryland.

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