HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As of Tuesday, gas prices locally were at $2.23 per gallon for regular unleaded although Murphy’s USA is two cents cheaper at $2.21.

The Kansas gas price average is at $2.20 which, according to Triple A Kansas, is still the lowest price since 2009 when the average was $1.57.

Since Nov. 28, the price average in Kansas has gone up 33 of the last 37 days.

Although the prices in Hutchinson are higher than the state average, we’re below the national average, which is at $2.34 per gallon. The national average has moved higher for 34 of the past 35 days, largely due to market reactions to last fall’s OPEC deal.

Officials with Triple A indicate that retail prices will continue to hinge on the ability of cartel countries to successfully implement production cuts, but retail averages are likely to increase leading up to the summer driving season as seasonal refinery maintenance gets underway this spring.