This is not unusual. Prices were never going to stay low, they are going to rise, just like they do every year. The low prices were a fluke, a political pander.

warm weather. during winter season the gas prices go down. people are reluctant to travel during cold or stormy season. when the weather warms up, people travel more. so the gas prices go up.

The ones that many want to ignore are actually in existence, are calling the shots.

gouging.