Warmer weather will send gas prices soaring 'a lot higher,' analyst warns

Patrick de Haan notes 'all the ingredients' are present to spark $4 per gallon prices

Gas prices will soar higher as a result of warmer weather, summer travelers boosting demand and the blending of summer gasoline, Patrick de Haan, GasBuddy head of petroleum analysis told "Varney & Co." Monday. 

"All of the factors are going to point to an upward trajectory when we start seeing the transition, warmer weather, refineries doing maintenance," he said. "All the ingredients are there to hit four bucks a gallon."

The current national average price of regular gas is $3.35 per gallon, a full dollar more than prices were in 2020, according to AAA. 

GAS PRICES: CAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE STAY UNDER $4 PER GALLON?

Meanwhile, Democrats are proposing to temporarily scrap the federal gas tax which de Haan doubted would make much of a difference in states like New Jersey where prices at some pumps are exceeding $5 a gallon. 

rise in gas prices

Gas prices grow along with inflation as this sign at a gas station shows in San Diego, California, U.S. November, 9, 2021. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo

"We’re going to see a lot higher prices in the months ahead," he said. "Even if the Democrats do go ahead and give us a whopping 5% coupon."

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Crude oil has also hit a seven-year-high amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Former Trump Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke blamed flaring foreign crises on Biden’s energy policy Monday on "Mornings with Maria."

"There’s consequences of… not being in a position where we can leverage our energy resources," he said. "And Russia, at $90 a barrel, they can fund a lot of military operations from the high energy prices. And, unfortunately, we’re paying for it at home."

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