Monday, February 27, 2012 6:10 am

Tennessee, February 27 - Average retail gasoline prices in Tennessee have risen 7.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.56/g yesterday.

This compares with the national average that has increased 11.3 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.64/g, according to gasoline price website TennesseeGasPrices.com.

Gas prices at several locations in Cannon County and Woodbury, however, are almost 20 cents higher than the state average. At several places regular gasoline is currently selling for over $3.75 per gallon.

Including the change in gas prices in Tennessee during the past week, prices yesterday were 32.6 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 26.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.

The national average has increased 26.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 29.8 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

"2012 is looking increasingly like 2008," said Gregg Laskoski, Senior Petroleum Analyst for GasBuddy.com. "Gasoline prices are climbing aggressively as speculation drives crude oil higher; and once again, it's an election year. But this time its the volatility in the Middle East that has everyone wondering 'How high is up?'," he added.