CHARLOTTE — Gas prices in North Carolina jumped 16 cents in the past month, up from $3.38 to $3.54 per gallon, according to AAA Carolinas, but still remain 7 cents below last year's average of $3.61.

After falling throughout the autumn months, gas prices in North Carolina hit a low of $3.22 on Dec. 20, 2012, and slowly rose until mid-January when they began to increase rapidly.

AAA predicts prices should remain within pennies of today's prices for the upcoming three-day Presidents Day weekend, with many companies giving employees Monday off.

The surge in gas prices is due in part to higher crude oil prices, driven by positive economic news, both domestic and global. Additionally, refineries are preparing to switch to summer-blend gasoline, which restricts output and tightens supply.

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