CINCINNATI, Oh.—Gas prices are heating up alongside summer temperatures. In the last 15 days state averages have jumped, pushing up the national average nearly a dime to $2.75.

In addition to rising gasoline demand, 13 states this month have introduced new gas taxes that have contributed to the national average increase. Those states include Ohio, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and Vermont.

“The only motorists seeing relief at the pump are in a handful of states in the West Coast and Rockies regions where prices are trending cheaper, but still rank among the most expensive in the country,” said Jenifer Moore, AAA spokeswoman. “The majority of motorists can expect more expensive gas prices throughout July, but the national average is still not likely to hit $3/gallon.”

Pump prices are pushing more expensive across the Great Lakes and Central states. Illinois (+14 cents), Ohio (+9 cents), Michigan (+7 cents) and Indiana (+5 cents) rank among the top 10 states with the largest weekly increases. Part of the increase can be attributed to new gas taxes that went into effect the week of the July 4 holiday in each of these states.

Compared to a month ago, Ohio (+13 cents), Illinois (+11 cents) and Michigan (+8 cents) are among states nationwide with more expensive pump prices.

GAS PRICES FROM AAA

Average price per gallon of self-serve, regular gasoline.

Gas prices provided by AAA, http://gasprices.aaa.com/

AAA has a variety of resources to help motorists save on fuel:

• AAA Shell Gas Discount: (http://www.AAA.com/Shell) gives AAA members nationwide a discount on gasoline at Shell stations when they join the Fuel Rewards® program.
• Fuel Price Finder (http://www.AAA.com/fuelfinder) locates the lowest fuel price in your area. 
• AAA Gas Cost Calculator (http://gasprices.aaa.com/aaa-gas-cost-calculator/) helps budget travel expenses. 
• TripTik Mobile (http://www.aaa.com/mobile) plots fuel prices along your travel route. 
• AAA's Member Rewards Visa® Credit Card (http://www.AAA.com/financial/AAAvisa.htm) accumulates double points on fuel purchases. 

AAA is the most comprehensive resource for gas prices. AAA reports reflect actual prices from credit card transactions at more than 100,000 gas stations in the U.S. Check the latest gas prices anytime by visiting the AAA Gas Prices site.

###

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 59 million members nationwide and nearly two and a half million members in Ohio.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.