Early spring was met with dropping gas prices across the northwest portion of the state. That trend was supposed to continue until Memorial Day, according to experts, but unfortunately they were wrong.

The cost of regular unleaded gas increased again this week, up another three cents on average in Georgia, bringing the cost to $3.44 per gallon. The nationwide average gas price is up six cents this week to $3.58 per gallon. Most communities in the region have seen their gas prices increase since late April, and prices are now higher in Georgia than they were a month ago.

Right now prices in Summerville are some of the highest around ranging from $3.39 to $3.42 a gallon. That compares to Dalton at $3.23, Calhoun at $3.24, Cartersville at $3.31, and Rome and Rockmart each at $3.36.

Jessica Brady with AAA-South said in the company’s weekly report that based on supply and demand, the cost for gas should be much lower across the country. AAA says U.S. output of crude oil is now at an 82-year high based on last week’s data.

Prices remain about $0.10 lower than at this time last year in the state.