MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Gas prices are up about 50 cents compared to this time last year, with a 20 cent jump happening in just the last month.

As for the reasons why, AAA says people are driving more which is affecting supply and demand and that refineries produce more expensive gas blends in the summer.

President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Iran Nuclear Deal is also causing panic in the industry which is also driving up prices.

A political science professor at UWM says that means the U.S may rely on more of its own resources along with help from Saudi Arabia.

The price hike has some commuters changing their travel plans.

“It’s getting ridiculous. Even though you have a smaller car, you put five bucks in, you go to work, you’re out of gas. So pay the $2.25 to get on the bus,” driver Dawn McNew.

AAA says drivers can expect another 20 cent increase in the coming weeks.

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