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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- The pain at the pump got a lot worse this week.  Gas prices in the Midlands climbed over 24 cents in seven days.

According to ColumbiaGasPrices.com, the average cost for a gallon of unleaded is now at $3.24.  That means the Columbia area average is growing faster than the national increase of 17 cents per gallon over the previous week's report.

Columbia's prices are now 33.7 cents higher than last month at this time and 67.5 cents higher than one year ago.

"I used to fill up for thirty dollars it was fifty one today," said one midlands resident.

Last week, the Palmetto State was ranked second behind Wyoming for being the state with the lowest gas prices.  In the latest report, South Carolina sits behind nine other states after the big jump.

"With it going up so much it costs a fortune," adds another residents

However, there may be some good news depending how you look at it.  The current national average $3.34, 10 cents higher than the Midlands.

Despite the recent spike in local gas prices, what do you think about the Midlands being 10 cents below the national average?

Vote in our daily web poll below and leave a comment to tell us more.  Check back on your WACH Fox News to see if we share your comment on-air.

And don't forget to rely on our newly redesigned Pain at the Pump page for all of these statistics plus the price at gas stations in your neighborhood.  Remember, all of the information comes from users like you so be sure to submit the price you filled up for.

And to get the most out of each fill-up, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs says there are some things you can do.  They include:

- Combine trips. Run as many errands as possible in one trip and carpool when possible. 
- Use overdrive gears and cruise control when appropriate. They improve fuel economy when highway driving.
- Slow down! You can cut your gas usage by driving the speed limit.
- Empty your trunk. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk can reduce a typical car’s fuel economy by up to two percent.
- Maintain your vehicle. Keep your engine tuned and tires inflated and rotated.
- Try to accelerate and brake gradually whenever possible. "Jackrabbit" starts and stops can decrease efficiency up to five percent.
- Avoid long idles. Turn off your engine if you are waiting in your vehicle for a long time.
- Use the octane level you need. Your owner’s manual recommends the most effective octane level for your car.