ENERGY

Gasoline Prices Post Steep Monthly Increase: U.S. prices at retail pumps posted the largest monthly increase since Iraq invaded Kuwait in August, 1990, the American Automobile Assn. said. A gallon of unleaded gasoline at self-service pumps rose 6.8 cents to $1.196 in the month ended May 15, AAA said in its monthly Fuel Gauge Report. That is the highest price heading into the Memorial Day holiday, considered the start of the summer driving season, since 1985, when a gallon cost $1.218.