Pain at the pump

Recent pain at the pump is projected to only magnify through summer, when prices locally for regular unleaded gas could topple $4 a gallon, as I reported in my story today.

Readers on Anna Maria Island, however, already are paying $4 a gallon for premium unleaded fuel.

Experts believe the price increases will have more motorists who typically reach for the 93, switching to the less expensive 87 blends. The trend also could hamper sales this year of SUVs and trucks, while restoring interest in hybrid cars, said Gregg Laskoski, senior petroleum analyst with GasBuddy.com.

The Bradenton-Sarasota market reported an average of $3.62 per gallon of regular unleaded gas this week, up from the January average of $3.47 and December 2011 average of $3.27, according to AAA.

The Bradenton prices outpace the statewide average of $3.60 and national average of $3.48 per gallon. But deals are out there to be found.

I filled up this morning at 7-11 on U.S. 301 near Whitfield for $3.60. Others have told me about prices they have found as low as $3.56. I'm putting a call out to readers to tell me where the cheapest gas in Manatee is. Please leave a response in the comments section below. Where do you fill up? How much did you pay? Are you scaling back because of the prices?

And remember, for the latest business updates, follow me on Twitter @JoshSalman