Gasoline prices increase 3 cents, analysis finds

CAMARILLO, Calif. - Gasoline prices increased 3 cents in the past three weeks, ending a 15-week price crash that began with the Sept. 11 terror attacks, according to a newly released industry analysis.<br> <br> Gas prices Friday at about 8,000 gas stations nationwide averaged $1.12 a gallon for self-serve regular, analyst Trilby Lundberg said Sunday.<br> <br> The weighted price per gallon for all grades and taxes was $1.15, up 3.27 cents from Dec. 21, the date of the last Lundberg Survey.<br> <br> The weeks to come could see additional moderate, but not extreme, price increases, Lundberg said.<br> <br> &#34;The turnaround had to happen sometime after a glut of gasoline relative to demand developed due to post-nine-eleven weak demand, and from seasonal and economic conditions,&#34; she said. &#34;A slight increase in crude oil prices in the past three weeks supported the gasoline price turnaround.&#34;<br> <br> Prices dropped nearly 45 cents a gallon from Sept. 7 - the last Lundberg Survey before the attacks - to Dec. 21. Just over a year ago, on Jan. 5, 2001, a gallon of gas cost about 34 cents more than it does now.<br> <br>