Mark Glover

A motorist fuels up his truck at a gas station Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 in San Francisco. U.S. retail gasoline prices rose less than a penny Monday to a national average of 3.57 per gallon, according to AAA, Wright Express and Oil Price Information Service. A gallon of regular is 19 cents higher than it was a month ago and 40 cents more than a year ago. AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

With consumption down, why are gas prices going up?

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- As the average price of gasoline zips toward $4 a gallon in California and past $3.50 nationwide, increasingly frustrated motorists are asking questions.

Among the most vexing: If we're using less gas, how come prices keep going up?

Gas could top $3 a gallon by Christmas

Just in time for the holidays: gasoline price hikes that may bring the national average to $3 by Christmas.

Analysts say they are startled at spiking crude oil prices driving up the cost of gas at the pumps. Blame it on multiple signs of an improving economy worldwide, with speculators pouring money into the oil market and sending the price of crude near $90 a barrel, after weeks in the low $80s.

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