The price of gas in Mississippi has seen a big rise in recent weeks as local and state economies have started to open up following weeks of shutdowns related to the COVID-19 virus.

Over the past week, gas prices in the state have risen 5.9 cents per gallon, according to a GasBuddy’s daily survey. As of Monday, the state average for regular unleaded gasoline was $1.73 per gallon.

The survey also reports gas prices are 23.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. But, compared to this time last year, prices are 51.9 cents per gallon lower.

According to AAA’s gas prices tracker, the average price per gallon in Warren County was $1.746 per gallon, which is slightly below the state average and well below the national average of $2.104.

“As gasoline demand continues on the road to recovery, the national average has advanced for another week, making it seven straight weeks of rising gas prices as the easing coronavirus situation inspires more Americans to hit the road,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “I expect the upward trend to continue across most of the country ahead of July 4, with prices perhaps rising another 10-20 cents by then. The one thing that could bring restraint to rising gas prices is if we see a significant second wave of COVID-19 cases, but for now, I’m optimistic that won’t happen.”