The average price of regular gas hit $3.184 on Saturday, matching the record set in September 2005, when Hurricane Katrina shut down many of the nation's oil refineries. Prices have risen 20 cents a gallon in the past month, AAA reports.

The spike in late winter comes at a time when motorists usually enjoy a break on gas prices before the busy summer driving season. Last year at this time, Triangle residents paid an average of $2.372 per gallon of regular.

Diesel prices are also at record levels -- $3.612 per gallon, according to AAA.