CHICAGO (STMW) – Gas prices continue to climb in the Chicago area with the highest prices ever for the start of the month of March, AAA reports.

The average price of gas in metro Chicago was $3.93 in February, a 30-cent increase from the February 2012 price of $3.63 per gallon, according to Beth Mosher, AAA Chicago spokeswoman.

“Gas prices increased dramatically in February … primarily due to a decline in refinery production,” she said.

“There is still maintenance to be done before the Midwest shifts to a summer blend of gasoline [and] motorists are likely to face continued high prices.”

The average price of gasoline has increased 59 cents per gallon in Illinois and 54 cents in Indiana since the beginning of the year, which is the highest price increase through the end of February on record, according to AAA.

As of Tuesday morning, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in the city was $4.215, according to AAA.

Around the area, the average price of a regular unleaded gas in February:

Northern Indiana: $3.77, up 49 cents from January and 29 cents from February 2012.

Cook County, $4.01, up 49 cents from January and 31 cents from a year ago.

DuPage County, $3.87, up 48 cents from January and 30 cents from a year ago.

Lake County, $3.84 per gallon, up 48 cents from January and 32 cents from a year ago.

Kane County, $3.85 per gallon, up 49 cents from January and 31 from a year ago.

McHenry County, $3.83, up 48 cents from January and 33 cents from a year ago.

Will County, $3.85, up 49 cents from January and 32 cents from a year ago.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)