Gas Prices Post Rare July Increase

(Newsroom America) -- Gas prices have undergone a rare July rise over the past month, increasing 5.1 percent, or 17 cents, to an average of $3.50, according to auto club groups that track prices.

It is the first monthly increase since March, according to AAA, and the largest increase in July in at least 12 years, the group said.

"Drivers nationwide saw prices reverse in July after three months of steady declines at the pump," AAA spokesperson Avery Ash said. "Higher global oil prices and increased demand for gasoline during the busy summer driving season were the primary factors that sent pump prices higher in July."

The group said it expects prices to remain flat in August or to rise only slightly. Prices traditionally fall as Labor Day approaches and the summer driving season comes to an end.

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