Gas prices have made a jump of three cents in a week in Georgia, and now stand at $2.94 per gallon on average for regular unleaded.

That is still about 13 cents below the national average but more than a dime higher that nearby southern states including Alabama and South Carolina.

AAA said oil prices have risen recently over speculation that demand in China could surge.

The uptick in prices is also blamed on U.S. sanctions against Russia that have caused uncertainty in the industry.