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Gas prices averaged $2.08 a gallon Tuesday morning across the Grand Rapids metro, according to GasBuddy.com.

(MLive.com File Photo)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Sub-$2 gas is becoming increasingly hard to find across West Michigan, and it's only a matter of time before it becomes quite uncommon, one analyst projects.

Gas prices are spiking Tuesday across the Grand Rapids metro, according to GasBuddy.com. Although prices this week currently average 15 cents higher from a week ago, they're projected to climb another 27 cents to settle at $2.35 or so.

Most Speedway stations reportedly are taking the charge at driving up the cost at the pump.

"We're seeing wholesale gas prices go up significantly right now, and there's no question that retail gas prices also will be rising," GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst Gregg Laskoski said. "Overall, we've been watching sharp increases since mid-January."

AAA says gas prices typically begin their annual rise in February because of refinery maintenance and decreased production. Nationwide, the average cost for gas could rise by at least 30 cents through spring.

Grand Rapids-area gas prices have fared better than the national average for most of December and January, but since has risen above.

"There's no question that the timing of all these factors is what really drives the extent of retail price increases," Laskoski said. "This is what we see happening during the first quarter of every year.

"I would say it's going to be less common to find gas at sub-$2 prices right now through the next several weeks."

Along the Lakeshore, prices currently $2.13 in Holland and $2.17 in Muskegon, according to GasBuddy.

Andrew Krietz covers breaking, politics and transportation news for MLive and The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at akrietz@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.