U.S. - Before many of you hop in your cars this morning, remember that that fill-up at the gas station could eat your lunch money. A new report out Wednesday will detail why gas prices are where they are, and where they're going.

Gas prices are draining wallets. Wednesday the Consumer Federation of America releases its report, "Why can't consumers catch a break?"

The question, why do gas prices hover near record highs despite the highest gas stocks in a decade? A slower U.S. economy and higher ethanol production, all forces that should drive prices down. Not now, says Triple-A’s Troy Green, "California, New York, Hawaii, those states, there is a chance that they may see $4 dollars a gallon come Memorial travel holiday." The cost of crude and coming peak driving season are strong forces pushing prices up. In Houston, one driver stole fuel in plain sight, lowering a hose into fuel storage tanks and making off with a thousand gallons of diesel.

Many drivers are shifting gears on expenses. One driver, Rod Skidmore says, "Like maybe vacation, like maybe the type of car I buy."

Carmakers are competing big-time in fuel efficiency: expect to see some new hybrids, clean diesels and hydrogen fuel cells as early as this summer.

And those vehicles may come just at the right time, with Triple-A predicting that prices could rise a quarter a gallon on average nationwide, over the next two months.