HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Gas prices locally have increased some and are now above the average price in the state according to Triple A.

The price locally for regular unleaded is nine cents higher than the state average and matches the national average. The current local price at most stations is $2.29 per gallon, while the average price for the state is at $2.20 per gallon.

The price had dropped to just under $2.00 at one point last month, but has since increased.

Kansas as a whole is still at number three for the cheapest price when compared to surrounding states.

Missouri is the cheapest at $2.11, followed by Oklahoma at $2.18. Kansas is again third, while the price in Nebraska ranks it at No. 4 with an average price of $2.35. Colorado has the highest price in the region with a price of $2.41 per gallon.

Triple A reports that gas prices in Kansas haven risen six straight days.

“This autumn’s refinery maintenance season is expected to be heavier than in years past because refineries ran at such high rates during the summer,” Jim Hanni, AAA Kansas spokesman, said. He says the maintenance at these refineries should be complete by December.

He adds that even though prices have risen 29 cents, the price is still better than what it was last year at this same time.