Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is worried about rising gas prices, fearing they could reach more than $4 by the end of April. Commuters are also starting to pay more attention, particularly with an ongoing debate in both Virginia and Maryland related to increasing gas taxes.

“I am extremely concerned by recent reports that oil and gasoline prices continue to rise and gas could reach an average of $4.25 a gallon by April,” McDonnell stated in a release Tuesday.

According to the release, “The average price for a gallon of gas has recently topped $3.53 a gallon, up 25 cents since January 1, and up from $3.17 a gallon a year ago.”

If gas does in fact hit $4.25 a gallon by May, that would break the July 2008 record of $4.11, says the Washington Post.

Elsewhere, customers paying $5 a gallon for gas isn’t unheard of. The Washington Times reports that an Exxon Station near the Watergate Hotel is selling midgrade and premium gas for more than $5.

The Virginia State Senate has proposed to raise the state gas tax with the rate of inflation in hopes to find funding for transportation projects, the Post reports, but opposition from the House could hold the plan back. 

Check out Patch's Traffic & Gas page (in the tab above) for local prices.