The national gas price average increased for the sixth week in a row, with this week's national average at $2.61, according to AAA. This price is 18 cents more expensive the upward trend began in mid-December and 3 cents more than last Monday. At 18 cents, Utah is seeing the smallest increase and California is having the biggest increase at 52 cents compared to the same time last year. Strong consumer demand combined with steadily rising oil prices means fueling up will continue to cost more this month.  

The largest monthly changes are: 

• Iowa (+22 cents) 
• California (+21 cents) 
• Minnesota (+19 cents) 
• Nebraska (+18 cents) 
• Kansas (+17 cents) 
• North Dakota (+17 cents) 
• Oklahoma (+17 cents)  
• Florida (+16 cents) 
• Louisiana (+16 cents) 
• Missouri (+16 cents) 

The top ten least expensive markets: 

• Texas ($2.36) 
• Mississippi ($2.37) 
• South Carolina ($2.37) 
• Alabama ($2.37) 
• Missouri ($2.38) 
• Arizona ($2.38) 
• Arkansas ($2.39) 
• Tennessee ($2.41) 
• Oklahoma ($2.42) 
• New Mexico ($2.43)