The national average for gas prices is $2.80 a galleon, up from $2.75 a week ago, according to a report released by the American Auto Association or AAA.

“Gas prices should already be falling, but are still adjusting to minor bumps in the oil market,” said AAA.

The summer average is expected to linger around $2.60 a galleon. Last summer, the national average was $3.60.

The price of gasoline varies throughout the country. The cheapest place to buy gas today is in South Carolina where gas is $2.48 a galleon. The most expensive is in California with prices as high as $3.53 a galleon.

In general, the Southern States of the US have the lowest gas prices while the West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii have the highest. The Mid-West and Northeast tend to stick close to the national average. However, there are exceptions, such as Connecticut where the average price of gas is $2.93 a galleon.

AAA expects this summer to have the lowest gas prices since 2009.

“This could be the year of the summer road trip with lower gas prices motivating millions of people to travel,” said Avery Ash, AAA spokesman. “Many drivers are likely to save hundreds of dollars this summer as gas prices remain more affordable than in recent years.”

According to the AAA, at least 6 in 10 Americans intend to take a road trip of 50 miles or more if gas prices remain low.

Despite all the good news, the assiocation does not fail to temper its rosey predictions. In the event of further upheavel in the Middle East or a strong Atlantic hurricane season, could send the price of summertime gasoline higher than expected.