U.S. Gas Prices to Soar in Spring

The U.S. gas prices are likey to soar in spring, as refiners and gas stations switch from winter-to summer-blended fuels, experts say.

The increases, starting as early as February in southern California, could push the average national price to a record $3.50 a gallon or more by June.

That would be 17 percent higher than today's average of just under $3 a gallon, which already is about 80 cents a gallon higher than year-ago levels thanks to the surge of crude oil that took futures prices briefly to $100 a barrel.

Prices in urban areas on each coast could approach $4 a gallon.