In the Portland and Salem metropolitan areas, motorists are paying new, all-time high prices for a gallon of regular. The same is true in neighboring Vancouver, Washington.

A significant shift in either of those areas, however, could dramatically impact on fuel prices.

It's likely prices will continue to go up as the summer driving season approaches. Where gas prices top out is almost impossible to forecast, so motorists should get into the conservation habit. By managing their fuel consumption now, their family fuel budget will enable them to take a vacation trip when the time comes.

Growing global fuel demand and political tensions between some oil producing nations and the United States are expected to keep energy prices high. According to some analysts, pump prices should begin to level off within the next week or two.

Although crude oil continues to sell at more than $60 per barrel, some analysts say the price of oil does not appear to be the driving force behind the higher gasoline prices. Instead, they say, reduced refinery output is pushing prices upward. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, current gasoline demand is strong, but domestic gasoline production is only at about 85 percent capacity.

These reductions come despite the anticipated record level of Christmas-New Year holiday travel.