Drew Siebels keeps a close eye at the gas pumps and, like most of us, doesn't like to pay any more than he has to. 

"I think they're ripping us off, no matter which way you look at it," he said.

After falling slightly last month, prices at the pump are starting to inch higher again and that means motorists are having to pay upwards of a quarter to 30 cents more per gallon than a year ago at this time.

"It's really hard. Especially with the heating costs and everything and the cost of groceries, it's really hard," said Kelly McCarthy, who was filling up her tank.

"The oil companies are making a big profit on our backs," she said.

A spot check of gas prices in St. Lawrence County found prices at $3.65 a gallon for regular unleaded in Massena, $3.63 a gallon in Canton, $3.62 a gallon in Potsdam, and a low of $3.59 cents a gallon in Ogdensburg and Waddington.

For many people, it's not easy to dish out more money for gas:

"It hits everyone's pocket," said Kevin Dailey, a college student.

Contributing factors to the spike in gas prices include growing tensions and threats of sanctions against Iran as well as an improving economy that in turn increases demand driving prices higher.

"I think we would expect to see higher gasoline prices this year regardless of whether there was any tension in the middle east with Iran," said Gregg Laskoski of gasbuddy.com.

Petroleum industry analysts say prices go as high as $4.50 to $5 a gallon by spring and summer.