GAINESVILLE - Gas prices in North Central Florida are up about 18 cents in just the past week.

Drivers are upset since the price at one gas station in North Central is about 4 dollars.

Gas prices are a shocker for North Central Florida resident Amber Kircher who paid a pretty penny for gas.

"You got to drive to work so there's noting you can really do about it," Kircher said.

Dennis Hinson fills up his tank about once every two weeks since it costs about 50 bucks to fill up his Ford Explorer, in order to get around he prefers his Toyota.

"It averages about 30 around town," Hinson said.

AAA representatives say from a week ago gas up went up 18 cents a gallon.  The reason for the increase is because some refineries announced they were shutting down. Refineries are also switching to a summer blend which is more expensive to produce.

"Once they go into making the summer blend the oil prices go up due to more costly fuel being utilized," AAA representative Alice Collier said.

According to floridastategasprices.com the average price of gas here in Gainesville is $3.85 a gallon.