Monday, February 20, 2012 3:37 am

Tennessee, February 19- Average retail gasoline prices in Tennessee have risen 3.9 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.48/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.51/g, according to gasoline price website TennesseeGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Tennessee during the past week, prices yesterday were 47.0 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 22.0 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 17.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 35.0 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

"Gasoline prices have perked up a bit in the last week," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "As we continue to move towards warmer weather, gasoline prices will follow, with prices accelerating higher at a faster pace come late March into April, so if motorists think this is bad, they should really hold on to their chairs," DeHaan said.