In the wake of Hurricane Ike, gasoline prices have surged to

new highs. In Georgia, gas averages more than $4 a gallon, a

record. Prices may lower in the coming weeks, but drivers

should still try to get the most out of every gallon, says a

University of Georgia expert.

Gas now costs a dollar more per gallon than it did this time

last year. It costs 40 cents more per gallon than last month,

said Michael Rupured, a consumer financial expert with UGA

Cooperative Extension.

“The current spike is temporary, but high gas prices are very

likely here to stay,” he said. “It's very unlikely that we'll

see gas prices below $3 per gallon again. While the current

spike is a direct result of (Hurricane) Ike, it did not cause