South Carolina Drivers See Gas Price Spike

Gas prices have risen a little more than 10 percent over the last week, mirroring a trend that's pushing a gallon of gasoline closer to $4 a gallon in many parts of the country.

In the Charleston metro, prices hover at $3.56 a gallon, according to AAA. That's pretty close to that statewide average, but it's a full 30 cents cheaper than the national average.

South Carolina, with the lowest gas tax in the nation, typically enjoys the most affordable gas prices in the country.

Gas prices have risen every day for 32 days, according to the Wall Street Journal. That brings the average gas prices to the highest level in four months.

Refineries are shutting down as they respond to slipping demand and to conver to cleaner-burning summer blends. That slip in gas supply is causing gas prices to spike slightly.

Commodity traders are also pushing prices slightly higher as an improving global economy is increasing demand for gasoline.

Gas prices are still far lower than the all-time South Carolina high of $4.12 a gallon experienced in September 2008. The national record was set in July 2008 when gas prices reached an average of $4.14 a gallon.