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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Gas prices continue to climb in the Midlands as we get deeper into summer and the peak of travel season.

Motorists are currently paying an average of $3.49 per gallon in Columbia.  That's up 1.3 cents over last week's report by ColumbiaGasPrices.com.

Compared to one month ago, drivers are shelling out nearly 20 cents more and more than $1 higher than last year at this time.

The national average up at $3.69 per gallon.

South Carolina ranks fifth overall when it comes to states with the lowest gas prices, falling behind Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming.

Get the latest gas prices in your neighborhood gas stations on ourPain at the Pump page.

Should something be done to keep gas prices from creeping closer to $4 per gallon?  Leave your thoughts below.