HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heading toward the Memorial Day weekend, gas prices across Kansas continued to steadily increase, rising another 8 cents, to an average of $2.71 per gallon for regular gas. The Sunflower State, with a 22-cent increase, has seen the 8th-largest gas price jump in the nation over the past month, according to AAA Kansas.

Prices locally are just above the state average, with most stations in Hutchinson at $2.72 per gallon for regular unleaded.

In South Hutchinson, the prices are a little cheaper. Most stations are at $2.65 per gallon.

Howard in Elk County has the highest price in Kansas at $2.94 per gallon, while Grantville in Jefferson County is the lowest at $2.54.

Despite rising gas prices, more people will be taking to the highways for the Memorial Day weekend across Kansas and the nation. In fact, AAA forecasts the highest number of travelers since 2005 taking to, not only the roads, but also the skies and other forms of transportation such as cruise ships, buses, and trains.