It was good while it lasted.

The $2 a gallon gas we enjoyed this winter is already in the rearview mirror, and AAA expects fuel prices to keep climbing through March. 

The average price of regular gasoline in the Bremerton area was $2.95 Friday, up from $2.38 in mid-February.

Regular was selling for $2.67 a gallon in Suquamish this week, according to Gas Buddy. The Silverdale Costco had regular for $2.73.

It could be a lot worse. According to AAA, Kitsap drivers were paying $3.60 for regular this time last year.

A refinery explosion and labor strike in California have contributed to a rapid rise in prices along the west coast in the past month.

AAA notes crude oil prices started to rise in January. This is also the time of year when refineries slow down for maintenance, dropping the national supply.

While trending up, price increases have been halting this year, and the crude oil market remains volatile.