Rise in gas prices unlikely to last

An average gallon of regular in the L.A. area is now running $3.10, according to the government survey, a jump of 8 cents from last week - and among the highest price nationwide (U.S. average is $2.819). The big increase, which comes after several weeks of very stable prices, isn't likely to last because demand continues to be weak and supplies continue to be plentiful. From AP:

Pump prices began to climb last week as traders bought more oil as the dollar grew weaker against other currencies. Since oil is priced in dollars, it becomes more attractive to investors with foreign currencies when the dollar falls. In addition, the price of corn -- used to make ethanol -- has hit two-year highs because of worries about tight global supplies.