Prices for gas in the Brazos Valley are hovering right around that national average.

"I think its ridiculous...$2.12 a gallon on a 25 gallon tank your talking over 50 dollars -- that's a lot of money." says driver, T.J. Felts.

The Energy Department says the price of gas jumped more than four cents last week to an average of $2.15 per gallon. Prices for gas in the Brazos Valley are hovering right around that national average.

Filling up your tank can take a chunk out of your pocketbook. Average price for gasoline in Bryan -College Station is $2.05.

Detlef Hallerman is a recognized leader in petroleum engineering and says we should expect gas prices to increase a bit or remain flat for at least the next year.

"Gas prices are high right now and its because we've had inexpensive fuel for quite awhile--the lifting cost 10 years ago for US on average was $12 a barrel since then, that's gone up closer to $20 a barrel." says Hallerman.

One of the key factors driving the price of gasoline is the rising cost of oil.

Hallerman adds, "There's definitely a concern with the weakened dollar and with increase in crude costs that your going to see potential stag inflation like you did in the 70's. Are we there yet? I don't think so--but this could be a concern that if dollar remains weak for too long that we might start seeing prices increase in here."

"We don't have a choice here. We don't have public transportation like in Houston, we have to have gas. Its just all the extra driving I normally do, I won't be doing any longer." says driver, Rena White.

So for the time being...its advised to keep your traveling to a minimum.