Hurricane Sandy blamed for rising gas prices

Fires at two different Chevron refineries in California are bad news for drivers on the west coast.

While in the northeast, lingering effects of Superstorm Sandy continue to pinch gas supplies.

Many plants typically go down for routine maintenance during winter months when cold weather means fewer drivers on the road.

Other refineries are switching over to produce “summer gasoline” a special blend that reduces pollution but costs more.

This is the time of year when gasoline prices typically start inching up. For example, over the last two years, gas has been almost 10% more expensive in the spring than in the fall.

And this year, the increase has come earlier than ever.