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The average price of gasoline has climbed above the $2 mark yesterday, markingÂ the first time sinceÂ mid November 2008 that gas prices have been so “high.”Â Since theÂ the first of the year the price of gasoline has risen 25%, or roughly 40 cents per gallon, and chances are pretty good prices will continue a gradual climb through the summer months.

Currently 27 states and Washington, D.C. are reporting an average gas price above $2 per gallon, with Hawaii being the most expensive at $2.50.Â Utah currently has the lowest state-wide average price at $1.79 per gallon.

It certainly isn’t unusual for the price of gas to rise around this time of year, as refineries switch to more epensive “summer blend” gas — which has extra additives to help with emissions and smog — and consumers begin to travel more.

With the economy being as sluggish as it is, it is fairly safe to say that most consumers aren’t thrilled about the prospects of paying more at the pump, especially now that more of us are watching our finances down to the penny.Â

That being said, chances are pretty good that consumers won’t have to deal with an incredible spike in prices along the lines of what happened in 2008.Â

As I’m sure you remember, gas prices jumped to over $4 a gallon for the first time ever last summer, so to get back to that level, using simple math, gas prices would have to double over the next couple of months.Â Barring any unforseen catestrophies, even $3 gas seems pretty unlikely for most, if not all of the country.