With the unrest in Libya, and now the uncertainty of the markets due to the Japanese earthquake, gas prices are hitting near record levels.

The Mid-Atlantic AAA is reporting that the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel is  $3.517 as of Friday. Last month's was $3.095, and six months ago, it was almost a dollar below what we are paying now.

They also report that the average cost to fuel a vehicle with a 15-gallon tank in our area right now is $52.88. Last week, it was $51.81; last month, it was $46.42, and six months ago, it was more than $10 less at $38.67. At this time last year, the fill cost was $41.35.

Here is a rundown on local regular gas prices in Severna Park from Motor Trend as of Friday.

7-Eleven,  497 Jumpers Hole Road: $3.499
7-Eleven, 600 Ritchie Hwy:  $3.459

Sunoco, 517 Ritchie Hwy: $3.459

Unbranded, 502 Ritchie Hwy: $3.449 Lowest Price

BP, 945 Ritchie Hwy: $3.599

Shell, 537 Benfield Road: $3.519

Unbranded, 941 Ritchie Hwy:$3.599  *Lowest price premium $3.699

Exxon, 518 Ritchie Hwy: $3.479

Shell, 601 Ritchie Hwy: $3.499

AAA lists the following ways to save gas:

• Avoid idling when possible;
• Use cruise control when possible and maintain constant speed;
• Avoid carrying more weight (heavier=more gas);
• Don’t brake or accelerate too quickly; and
• Keep tires properly filled.

Severna Park Patch editor Leslie Hunt contributed to this article.