DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: All right, we're going to turn our attention now to gas prices. As predicted, drivers are again paying more at the pump. Get this, it could even get worse as we enter the summer months. More now from CNN's Eric Philips.</s>ERIC PHILLIPS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's only a month into spring, and already gas prices are taking a quantum leap. In Chicago, the price of regular gasoline is $1.90 a gallon with some analysts predicting $2.50 or more by summer, making it hard for this cabbie to make ends meet.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I will say have mercy on our souls. We can't take it. We are barely surviving. I'm driving a cab and shaking a cup, too.</s>PHILLIPS: Right now the national average for regular gas is $1.58 a gallon. (on camera): So what is driving up gas prices? Experts say there are a number of reasons, not the least of which being gas- guzzling minivans and SUVs that are helping to drain supplies. (voice-over): About 50 percent of vehicles on the road fit that category. It's simply a matter of supply and demand, experts say.</s>JIM RINK, AAA: There is far more demand than we have supply for right now. Oil inventories at record lows. And we're entering into the busy travel season.</s>PHILLIPS: Some motorists like this Atlanta man believe the gas hike is caused by a greedy oil industry.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We see heating oil prices go up in winter and gasoline prices go up in the summer. And I think it's independent of the supply.</s>PHILLIPS: But many motorists say even with the high prices, they don't have the option of changing their plans.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I use my car to travel back and forth to work every day. So I'm not really comfortable with the prices. But you have to do what you have to do.</s>PHILLIPS: Eric Phillips, CNN.
Oil Inventories at Record Lows, Gas Prices Soar