While gasoline prices are soaring to historic highs every day in the greater Baltimore region, consumers should prepare themselves for even higher short-term hikes.

“Oil analysts are telling us that geopolitical issues, sustained refinery damage and the seasonal switching of gas additives are factors that could push prices even higher over the next 20 to 30 days,” said Amanda Knittle, a spokeswoman for the Towson-based AAA Mid-Atlantic.