<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611247120315.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The price of gas is going up and the rise is likely to continue."Since the beginning of the year, gas prices have been on the rise," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "That continues over the past week. Today's Kansas average is $2.18 a gallon, which is up four cents from a week ago and an increase of 18 cents in the past month."Close to home, gas is still relatively low compared to some other areas."Reno County and Hutchinson, both areas are a little lower than the state average coming it at $2.14 or $2.15," Steward said. "The Kansas average is eight cents less than we were a year ago."Though it remains to be seen how long the pandemic will continue to have an effect on the market, in a typical year, you could expect prices to rise later in the year."In a normal year, winter is a low demand time," Steward said. "As temperatures rise in the spring and summer and more people get out on the road, not only for work, but for vacations, demand increases."Also, Saudi Arabia has told OPEC it will be reducing production beginning in February, so supplies should tighten some, as well.

AAA: Gas prices still going up across Kansas