SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KRON) – Gas prices are at an all-time high, and people want to know why.

Recent searches on Google “Why are gas prices going up oct 2021” spiked 550% and “When are gas prices going down” spiked 200%, according to Google Trends.

Nationwide, the highest average price for regular-grade gas is in the San Francisco Bay Area, at $4.55 per gallon.

The lowest average is in Houston, at $2.77 per gallon.

The national average is up 7.5 cents from a month ago and $1.08 per gallon higher than a year ago. 

The prices have been steadily climbing over the years, but these are the highest they’ve been in seven years.

“The national average closed the week by climbing to yet another fresh seven year high, as the price of oil continues to drag gas prices along for the wild ride, leaving motorists on empty,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg of the Lundberg Survey said the rise comes as the cost of crude oil increases and demand goes up in Europe, where refineries are switching from burning gas to oil-based fuels.

According to the survey, the average price of diesel jumped 11 cents to $3.45 a gallon.

Another reason for the high gas prices is demand to get on the roads.

U.S. retail gasoline demand rose to its highest level in nearly a month, according to Gasbuddy.

Nationally, weekly gasoline demand was up 2.2% from the prior week.

The bad news is that for now, reports are showing upward trends and for gas prices with no sign of relief just yet, according to Gasbuddy.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.