Just what we needed; some bad economic news.  USA Today reports, "Gasoline prices increased for the third week in a row, jumping another 6.3 cents per gallon due to higher crude oil costs," according to an Energy Information Administration report on Friday.  "The national price for regular unleaded gasoline averaged $1.85 a gallon, the highest since Nov. 24, but down $1.17 from a year ago."

The culprit?  Reuters reports, "Crude oil price rises and a reduction in the rate of decline in U.S. demand pulled up gasoline prices from their trough."  Low gas prices are part of the reason we're now seeing higher gas prices.  Trilby Lundberg, editor of the nationwide Lundberg Survey of gas stations, explains, "Low gasoline prices did their work and have breathed a little life back into gasoline demand."

Kicking Tires comments, "While the increase is small change, it's something to keep an eye on, especially in the coming months as winter gives out and Americans begin driving more." 

If gas prices are on the way back up, car shoppers might want to note that some fuel-sippers are available at surprisingly low prices today.  Even the Toyota Prius has a cash-back rebate.  Research the best car deals with U.S. News' car rankings and reviews