For at least the second year in a row, prices topped $3 a gallon for regular unleaded across the nation going into summer's heavy driving season.

And analysts say there's higher prices to come.

In Bismarck, motorists faced signs that read $3.09 a gallon for fuel. Premium prices topped $3.20 a gallon, but diesel hovered just below the $3 mark, at least through most of Friday.

Nationally, according to AAA fuel gauge reports, gas prices averaged at $3.01 a gallon for regular unleaded.

It's the beginning of tourism season, said Gene LaDoucer with AAA in North Dakota. Prices tend to rise during high traffic seasons, but recent low inventories are pushing what LaDoucer said will be record pressures at the pump.

"Unfortunately, it looks like we're probably going to be paying record prices as we approach Memorial Day(weekend),"LaDoucer said.

Last year, Bismarck had a record high of $3.19, LaDoucer said.

"You could very well see that by Memorial Day, if supplies don't see a sharp increase next week."

LaDoucer added that the past two years of record gas prices were results from external pressures -broken pipelines and extreme weather. But this year, without such pressures, prices may still break records.

"This year we don't have those types of issues, yet we're still facing record prices,"LaDoucer said. "Consumers are fed up with it, and rightfully so."

Mike Rud, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Marketers Association, said Friday's prices were about 10 to 15 cents lower last year at this time.

"As long as the demand is up there and the supply's not there, you're going to see the price get up,"Rud said. "I guess from what we've seen in the market, I'm not surprised at all. It's sad, but that's where (the price) needs to be."

(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@;bismarcktribune.com.)