Hurricane and Refinery Fire Spiking Baldwin-Whitehall Gas Prices

Nothing like a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, a refinery fire in Venezuela and an upcoming holiday weekend to create the perfect storm for higher gasoline prices.

Nationwide, gas prices rose an average of a half-cent per gallon recently to $3.756 per gallon for regular unleaded, AAA has reported.

"As of Tuesday afternoon, four major refineries, totaling more than 1 million barrels per day of refining capacity, have announced their planned closure," said Michael Green, public relations manager for AAA. "These refineries make up about half of the production capacity in the region where Hurricane Isaac is expected to make landfall."

Add to that a deadly explosion and fire at Venezuela's largest oil refinery, and some experts predict price hikes of 5 to 15 cents per gallon by Labor Day.

Right now, the cheapest gasoline in Baldwin-Whitehall can be found at the in , according to Pittsburghgasprices.com. Regular unleaded is selling there for $3.74 per gallon.

For perspective, the average price of regular unleaded in the Pittsburgh area was $3.71 per gallon a week ago, $3.48 per gallon a month ago and $3.61 per gallon a year ago, according to AAA.

Will higher gasoline prices affect your holiday plans? Tell us in the comments section below.

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