LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentuckians are paying more at the pump as temperatures rise and drivers head out on the road for spring break trips.

AAA said the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Kentucky is $2.82, jumping 13 cents over the past week. That includes a 31-cent jump in Lexington, where the average price per gallon is $2.94. The national average is $3.15. 

Here are the average prices per gallon of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various parts of the state, according to AAA:

$2.94       Lexington

$2.96       Covington

$2.90       Ashland 

AAA said the switchover to summer-blend gasoline causes a spike in prices because of the greater cost of producing summer-blend fuel. This normally adds about 15 cents per gallon. Summer-blend gas reduces evaporative emissions and smog formation during warm-weather months, when gas often evaporates more readily, AAA added. 

Despite the fast climb, AAA said prices remain lower last year because of tepid gasoline demand and weak crude oil prices. The Kentucky average this time last year was $3.26, 44 cents higher than now. 

"Kentucky gas prices are still the eighth lowest in the nation, but this week's dramatic jump is a reminder of the higher prices we see during warm-weather months," said Lori Weaver Hawkins, AAA Blue Grass public affairs manager. "While gas prices are trending considerably lower than a year ago, motorists will notice the jump at the pump the next time they fill up."

AAA offered the following gas-saving tips to drivers:

• Get your vehicle checked out and perform regular car maintenance.
• Keep tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can decrease your gas mileage by approximately 3%.
• Know your octane. Do not purchase mid-grade or premium gasoline unless your owner’s manual specifically recommends it. 
• Avoid idling. Idling gets zero miles per gallon. Letting your vehicle idle for more than 10 seconds uses more gas than shutting it off and restarting. Don't start your car until you are ready to go. 
• Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
• Drive sensibly and avoid driving aggressively.
• Plan your trip. Carefully planning out your road trip can save you time and money. 
• Minimize drag, which can reduce fuel efficiency.

Visit our gas trackers in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green and Northern Kentucky for more on prices in your area.