So much for stabilized gasoline prices

A couple of weeks ago, I read about how gasoline prices, which had climbed sharply in the past six weeks, had finally stabilized. They did - for about a week. Now they are back on their sharp upward trajectory, and the $3 a gallon of gasoline again beckons. Actually, it's already here in 11 states. Nationally, the average is up to $2.97 - 20 cents lower than the average in New Jersey, which as of Monday, had the lowest prices in the nation.

Some stations in New Jersey already are charging $3 and up. According to newjerseygasprices.com, an Exxon station in Summit is charging $3.29. The lowest and highest gas prices in Monmouth and Ocean counties are on Route 9 in Lakewood - Kwik Trip, $2.67, and Gulf, $2.97.

Some analysts are predicting gasoline prices will soon reach record highs. The peak nationally was $3.069, set Sept. 5, 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Adjusted for inflation, the record high was in March 1981, when gasoline prices were $3.223 in today's dollars.