Gasoline prices are rising as the holiday season kicks off, as stronger demand in the U.S. and elsewhere takes a bite out of fuel supplies. Gasoline futures, which tend to dictate prices at the pump, are up 7.6% in the past month, to $2.7192 a gallon on Wednesday. U.S. retail prices average $3.26 a gallon, up eight cents from a 33-month low in mid-November, according to automobile club AAA. Economists and consumers are watching gasoline prices ahead of the Christmas-shopping season. Subdued fuel prices in past months have boosted consumer confidence and left drivers with more disposable income. But as prices rebound, higher fuel expenditures could crimp pocketbooks. Holiday driving is one factor behind rising prices. More motorists hit the road on Thanksgiving and during the stretch from Christmas to New Year’s Day than on any other U.S. holidays, according to AAA. Also, gasoline prices fell so low earlier […]