Record-breaking heat drives gas prices to highest level of the year

Gas prices in the United States have reached their highest level in nine months due to rising oil costs and heat-induced refinery production cuts. The average price for a gallon of regular-grade gas is now $3.80, 26 cents higher than a month ago. Refineries scale back production during heat waves as a safety and efficiency measure, and much of the country's refinery capacity is located in areas where temperatures have exceeded 95 degrees. While analysts expect gas prices to ease by October, hurricane season could lead to further price hikes, especially in South Florida where water temperatures have exceeded 100 degrees.