the winter driving season has been over for more than a month and gasoline prices statewide are on the rise as more of us take longer trips. Rose White, spokeswoman for Triple-A-Iowa, says when the demand increases, so does the pump price.

Gas stations in Iowa’s larger cities often charge significantly less for fuel than rural locations, though it’s not a big revelation to residents who live in the country.

Of Iowa’s main metro areas, Ames has the most expensive gas in the state at $2.82 while it’s cheapest in Sioux City at $2.66. The statewide average of $2.73 is 11-cents below the national average.