HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to Triple A Kansas, the average gasoline price in Kansas rose seven cents per gallon this week to $2.40.

Among other factors, the recent price increases at the pump are being driven, both locally and nationally, by more motorists out on the roads, enjoying the favorable fall weather.

Locally, the prices are well below that average. According to Gas Buddy, the price at most stations in Hutchinson (as of 11:30 a.m.) was at $2.31 per gallon. In South Hutchinson, the price is even lower at $2.25 per gallon.

According to Triple A Kansas, this week’s Kansas gas price extremes are at Howard in Elk County at $2.70 per gallon. The lowest price was at Waverly in Coffey County at $2.21 per gallon.

They report that Kansas has the 14th lowest state gas price average in the U.S. this week. However, that price is 21 percent higher than one year ago, when the statewide average was $1.99.