Carol Thorp Per Quotations

Motorists can expect two to three weeks more of price increases that could send the average price of regular as high as $3.10 to $3.20 per gallon.

We're in the time of year when steep price increases are common, but this year prices are being boosted by speculation about whether there will be sufficient gasoline supplies for later in the year. It may be several weeks before a clear picture develops on the nation's gasoline production, but in the meantime, prices could climb to near $3 per gallon.

Southern Californians have reduced their driving significantly in the past couple of months. Additionally across the nation, demand for gas is down 2 percent from this time last year.

Prices remain on the rise but there is hope that we may be nearing a peak. Wholesale gas prices have averaged about $2.60 per gallon for the past week. Taxes add about 60 cents to that, transportation and dealer profit is another 5-10 cents. Prices in the L.A./Long Beach area could peak at $3.25-$3.30 by mid-May then they could decline after Memorial Day.

Prices have fallen 25 percent since their record highs in September. After the New Year, motorists can expect prices to begin rising as refineries cut back production to conduct their annual maintenance and begin the process of producing the summer blend of gas, which must be completed by the end of February.

Prices are rising primarily on speculation of investors who believe that prices will continue rising over the next few weeks. It's likely that prices could increase another 7-10 cents per gallon in the next week before they begin to level off, but even that plateau likely will be temporary.