It must be an early sign of spring: gasoline prices are rising again.

Nationally, the price of regular grade gasoline has climbed 17 cents the past 21 days. With the 5% jump, consumers will pay an average $3.45 a gallon heading into the weekend, vs. $3.28 a month ago.

Consumers are spending about 33 cents a gallon less than year ago levels. Prices will likely peak at about $3.75 a gallon, a slight break from 2013's $3.79 peak in late February. Moreover 2014 prices are expected to average $3.39 a gallon, vs. $3.49 in 2014, says Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst with gasbuddy.com.