AAA: 2012 average gas prices on track to set record high - KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, Sports

As of Tuesday, AAA South Dakota said the average price of gasoline in the state is $3.87—nine cents more than the national average.

AAA South Dakota says the national average price of regular gasoline is $3.78, which is three cents less than last week ago but 36 cents more expensive than a year ago.

"Motorists are frustrated because gas prices are still quite a bit more than they were during June and July," said Marilyn Buskohl, AAA South Dakota spokeswoman, said in a news release. "Even with the end of the summer driving season, drivers can't seem to catch a break."

According to AAA South Dakota, gas prices in 2012 are on track to be the most expensive ever. The average price of gas nationally in 2012 has been $3.64 per gallon. The highest average price of gas per year is $3.51—which was set in 2011.

AAA predicts the national average price of gasoline will decline by Election Day. However, AAA said consumers in many parts of the country, specifically the Northeast and West Coast, might experience temporary price increases over the next couple of weeks due to record-low gasoline inventories.

"There could be significant fluctuations in regional gas prices until refineries have an opportunity to ramp up production," Buskohl said. "While gas prices most likely will continue to break daily records, we expect prices will decline during October unless something catastrophic happens to disrupt production or distribution."