Peacock, whose organization represents Utah's five refineries, said maintenance is being done at many of the country's refineries, and that decreases the amount of gasoline they can put out on a regular basis.

"Because of that we're not at the optimal utilization of their refining capacities," he said. "It forces us to draw gasoline from outlying locations."

He said high prices are also due to the price of crude oil.

A report released earlier this month by AAA projected that national gas prices would peak at an average of $2.87 per gallon in May, but industry analysts disagreed and said $3 was more reasonable. Last summer, gasoline prices in the nation topped $3 a gallon for the second consecutive year. In August of last year, Utah prices reached an all-time high of $2.99 per gallon.

An inquiry into statewide prices conducted by the Utah Department of Commerce last year revealed that gas stations were gouging customers — however, not illegally. Francine Giani, the department's executive director, last month encouraged patrons to shop around for the cheapest gas in the valley.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com