Gas Prices Rise Again as Tax Increase Debate Looms

The new year has offered no relief for motorists at the pump.

The average price for regular unleaded gasoline was $3.37 on Sunday, up 9 cents in a week, according to the latest AAA survey. AAA reports this has been the fifth straight weekly price increase after prices kicked off 2012 at $3.28 a gallon—the highest ever to start a year.

Prices are rising even faster in Maryland, AAA reports, as the average price jumped 11 cents in a week to $3.37 a gallon.

Prices could dip to below $3 a gallon throughout much of the country during the second half of the year, according to a AAA news release.

Prices could still spike greatly if there is "an unforseen event such as a natural disaster or increased tension in the Middle East," the release continues.

The recent price spikes also come as the Maryland General Assembly gets prepared to meet for its annual 90-day session. Among the items scheduled to be debated during the session is an increase in the gas tax.

Members of Americans for Prosperity protested the proposed increase seeking support for their cause at gas stations over the weekend in , Towson and Middle River.

Are you against an increase in the state gas tax, or is it necessary to generate more funding for transportation projects? Tell us in the comments.