(July 11 2017) For the first time in five weeks, the national average gas price is increasing. At $2.26, today’s price has been moving higher since July 6 and is three cents more than last week. The moderate price surge follows a week of solid demand growth and a third straight week of gasoline inventory drawdowns across the country, according to AAA.

“Gas prices are still at some of the cheapest prices we’ve seen this year, but consumers should take advantage of them while they can,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “This week, drivers in 31 states are paying more than last week for a gallon of gas. And we expect to see slight price increases throughout July, so now’s the time to hit the road.”

Of the states seeing jumps in gas prices, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky top the charts with double-digit increases. Thirteen states, mostly on the West Coast and in the Rockies, saw prices decrease by pennies. Across the country, consumers can find gas for $2.25 or less at 58 percent of gas stations.

Quick Stats

    The nation’s top 10 markets with biggest weekly increases are: Indiana (+15 cents), Ohio (+15 cents), Michigan (+13 cents), Kentucky (+11 cents), West Virginia (+7 cents), Delaware (+6 cents), Kansas (+5 cents), Oklahoma (+5 cents), Nebraska (+4 cents) and South Carolina (+4 cents).

    The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: South Carolina ($1.94), Alabama ($1.96), Mississippi ($1.98), Arkansas ($2.00), Tennessee ($2.01), Oklahoma ($2.01), Missouri ($2.02), Virginia ($2.03), Louisiana ($2.05) and Texas ($2.05).