HOLT, Fla., Dec. 27, 2017–An increase of travelers this holiday season is temporarily driving gas prices up a bit according to the American Automobile Association.

Heading into the final week of the year, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.44, an increase of two cents on the week.

The average price of gas in Okaloosa County is $2.43 a gallon.

Despite the incremental jump, motorists in 33 states are paying less on the week – as much as nine cents.

Florida saw the largest decrease (-2 cents) in the southern region. However, Alabama takes the nation’s top spot for the cheapest gas price average at $2.17 per gallon.

And because enquiring minds want to know, Hawaii sells the most expensive gasoline at $3.29 a gallon.

“The majority of motorists have seen savings at the pump this month,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “The national gas price average is over five cents cheaper than the beginning of December.”

Gas prices are more expensive nationally compared to last year at $2.29 a gallon and Florida’s average of $2.32.

According to AAA, gas prices averaged the highest ever in 2012, despite never topping the single-day spikes seen in 2008 at $4.11 a gallon.

Staff and AAA news release