TS Isaac increasing gas prices?

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - When storms approach, sometimes we see higher prices at the gas pump.

With Isaac approaching, Clay Ingram with AAA Alabama said we could start to pay more for gas.

Ingram said Isaac hasn't had a direct impact on gas prices but anxiety over hurricane season in general has.

A month ago, Alabama prices were at $3.24 a gallon; and Friday, prices were around at $3.54. In Mobile, the average is $3.53.

Ingram said anytime there is a threat of a storm, prices start to jump. He said when they hit, gas gets even pricier.

For example, when hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, gas was at $2.53. Two weeks later, it was at $2.94. That's up 41 cents.

Then you have the problem of price gouging which Ingram said we could see if Isaac hits. In Alabama, it technically is not gouging according to Ingram unless it's a state of emergency.

"Gas stations are free to price gas at whatever they feel like they can sell it for. And it’s up to us to be sure we are price shopping and not rewarding people for making their prices up unnecessarily," said Ingram.

In Alabama, if the governor declares a State of Emergency following a storm, then gas stations are not allowed to charge more than 25 percent more than the year’s average. Ingram said the Attorney General’s Office has prosecuted many for this in the past.

The best thing you can do according to Ingram is stock up early. If Isaac doesn't hit, you can always use the gas.