DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The 'pain at the pump' has become somewhat familiar. Gasoline is now $3.00 a gallon, and even higher at some North Texas gas stations. But for the most part, drivers appear to have become 'conditioned' to the sticker shock. The question is will that apathy continue when, as one Southern Methodist University (SMU) professor predicts, gas priced get even higher down the road.

Rumors as to why we're paying more at the pump get plenty of mileage at area gas stations. "I would say the war," said driver Neeraj William. "We're using more oil over there."

"I think foreign oil and our dependency has a lot to do with it," speculated driver Brad Drotts.

Prices at the pump are up about 10-percent from just a year ago, equaling an increase of some 35-cents.

But what's really driving the price hike? SMU professor Bruce Bullock says the price of oil is now $90 a barrel, a bit unusual for this time of year. "That's being driven by the attractiveness of oil as an investment, number one, and number two - the devaluation of the dollar in world currency markets," he explained.

Bullock says the increase came a little at a time. "A couple of cents here and there, which has made it a bit easier to swallow."

The lack of outrage may imply that many people haven't noticed the gradual increase. "I haven't heard a lot of people complaining like they used to. They're just like, 'Oh well, it's going to happen. Might as well get used to it," said driver Yanitza Moneja.

Most drivers say they need their cars so they just 'fuel it and forget it'. "I have to put it [gasoline] in, so even if it does go to $5 I need it," William said. Drotts agreed saying, "You're going to pay what they want you to pay and its $42.60 today."

While drivers say they won't stop driving, According to the latest Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence survey 61 percent of respondents say they have changed their driving habits as a result of rising gas prices.

Some North Texas truck and SUV dealerships say the increased gas prices haven't affected their sales. Despite that they also believe if gas prices continue to go up, they expect their sales to drop and more consumers to opt for hybrid vehicles.

Bullock says he expects gas to climb to more than $4.00 a gallon by spring and summer months.