WASHINGTON - The roller coaster of gas prices corpses leaving many to wonder, once again, when relief will come.

Americans have enjoyed certain weeks of lowered gas prices, but now they're starting to rise again.

According to AAA, the unusual average for a gallon of regular gas stands at $3.50. Last week, the averages price was $3.45. A month ago, it was $3.20.

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The winter atmosphere, or lack of it in many states, is one of the contributing factors.

"January's atmosphere was relatively mild in much of the nation, which led to more drivers hitting the road. However, a return of wintery conditions in February may see a revival of seasonal driving patterns," Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson said in a news release.  

While Gross continues optimistic, he points to another factor that could keep gas prices high.

"With the cost of oil stubbornly hovering approximately $80 per barrel, drivers probably won't catch a big wreck at the pump over the next week or two," he continued.

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Gasoline prices mostly believe trends in global oil prices and crude. Rising prices at the pump are a key driver in the highest inflation that Americans have seen in 40 years.

Meanwhile, California could become the first state to fine big oil affairs for making too much money, a reaction to the industry's supersized profits after a summer of record-high gas prices in the nation's most populous position. Gov. Gavin Newsom and his Democratic allies in the position Legislature introduced the proposal.

FOX News and the Associated Press contributed to this narrative. This story was reported from Los Angeles.