Are you already cutting costs because of climbing gas prices that are nearing $4 per gallon at some stations?
 
Industry experts say the costs likely will continue to increase, deepening the average 45 cent-per-gallon jump since January.
 
The average price of a regular gallon of gas in Florida is $3.88, according to AAA. That's increased 46 cents since a month ago and tops the national average by 10 cents per gallon.
 
For many, gas is a necessary expense. "You got to pay, you have no choice," said John Marcenek, who stopped Thursday morning to buy gas at a Sunoco station at State Road 520 on Merritt Island, where the price of regular was $3.79. "What are you going to do, stop buying gas? Stop driving?"
 
Despite the already steep surge, some experts say prices will continue to rise and peak at about $3.95 per gallon by early April. Others say the cost will eclipse the highest recorded prices set in 2008, when regular gas was $4.08 in Florida.
 
Gasoline prices typically climb from February to Memorial Day on expectations of rising consumption and costlier summer-blend gas. The sluggish economy and stubbornly high unemployment rate have done little to curb consumer demand. If either gains momentum, prices will rise. Moreover, political unrest in the oil-rich Middle East, refinery woes or prolonged natural disasters could cause additional jumps in crude oil and wholesale gas prices.
 
Some people already are looking toward relief. "Gas prices go up, but they never seem to roll back to where they were before the price goes up," said Alan Smith, who also had stopped on Merritt Island for gas. "That's the way it is."
 
Seeking out the cheapest gas? Sam's Club in Melbourne listed prices at $3.75 on Wednesday, the cheapest in Melbourne, according to consumer-driver website GasBuddy.com. The Murphy USA station on Cheney Highway in Titusville was cheapest in that city, charging $3.79, as was the BP on U.S. 1 near Linwood Lane in Palm Bay.

You may also like...

Prostitute Roundup: 78 arrested in online sex sting

Sex blog: Tampa area school CFO busted over her dirty sex porn blog *warning, GRAPHIC*  

Sorry: Woman apologizes for flipping off judge

Nasty Nasty Dining: 10 of the nastiest restaurants in Tampa Bay in 2012

Cover Girl: Kate Upton back on the cover of Sports Illustrated

Cop of Love: Sheriff puts up Valentine's Day billboard

Faces of Meth: Before and After pictures

Take us with you: Download the 10 News app for your iPad

No sign of any ninja turtles: Alligator pulled from storm drain

Yowtch! Teen accidentally shoots off his penis, testicle

Shock Jock: DJ suspended for mocking woman with Down Syndrome

Bikini Photos: 2012 Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant

Not racist? Restaurant says 'How to catch an illegal immigrant' t-shirt is not racist 

Money Mondays: How you can search for unclaimed cash

Sex Offender Mugshots: Look up Florida Sex Offenders here

Bikinis, mud, trucks: The Redneck Yacht Club

Photos: Ex-Charlie Sheen Goddess Bree Olson

Naughty Schoolgirls: Naughty schoolgirl night at Tampa club pictures

Outrageous mug shot galleries...

Strange: Some of the most unusual mug shots we've seen

Notorious Women: Bad girls behind bars

Teachers: Teacher arrest mugshots

Celebrities: The rich and famous have their own booking photos

Jaw droppers: Open mouth mug shots

Laughers: What's so funny mug shots

Prostitutes: Prostitute mug shots

Athletes: Professional athlete mug shots 

Porn arrests: Child porn arrest mug shots 

Local Mugs: Hillsborough County Mug shots

More unusual mug shots and galleries: 10 News slideshows and galleries