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Isaac Creates Perfect Storm For Higher Gas Prices

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Tropical Storm Isaac is miles and miles from Pittsburgh, but it could still affect your wallet.

Don Bowers, from Superior Petroleum, says wholesale prices have already jumped as refineries along the Gulf Coast shut down.

"We've seen increases today in the Pittsburgh market anywhere from 5 to 12 cents a gallon, but I've seen increases in the Ohio market up to 25," said Bowers.

He says Ohio gets more of its gas from the Gulf.

He believes those wholesale prices will translate to higher prices for all of us just in time for the Labor Day weekend.

"There's no doubt in my mind you're going to see prices in the $3.80's as early as tomorrow," said Bowers. "And by the end of the week, depending on the storm and how it goes, we could see prices approaching $4 a gallon."

Prices have already risen in the last month and a half. The average price for regular gas in the Pittsburgh area is $3.76. Just a month ago, it was $3.54.

Bowers says Isaac, along with a deadly explosion and fire at a refinery in Venezuela, and the upcoming holiday weekend make for the perfect combination for higher prices.

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