Gas prices in North Carolina rose 8.2 percent in the past week, according to motor club AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report.

The state average is now $2.22 a gallon, 8.2 percent higher than last week’s $2.05 a gallon.

Nationally, the average price rose 4 cents, or 1.8 percent, during the past week to $2.22 per gallon, according to AAA’s Daily Report.

Access to gasoline has been difficult due to a pipe leaking in Alabama. Prior to the shortage, North Carolina offered gas prices slightly below the national average.

The price of West Texas Intermediate oil edged up 76 cents, or 1.68 percent, to $46.10 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange on Thursday while Brent Crude oil, rose 67 cents, or 1.43 percent, to $47.50 a barrel.

Two particular gas stations in Raleigh and Indian Trail decided to spike their prices in the midst of the shortage, charging up to $4.99 or more per gallon and thus prompting investigations from the Attorney General.

Hannah Rosen, 21, from Greensboro, North Carolina, said: “I had to wake up at 6 a.m. just to try to find gas nearby. Even at that time, there were already a handful of cars waiting in line just to try and get some fuel.”

The leaking pipeline has been fixed and is supposed to bring gasoline levels back to normal within several days.

Gasoline prices in South Carolina, also affected by the gas leak, increased nearly 11.5 percent, or 22 cents, to $2.14 a gallon in just one week.

Greg Dinkins, 56, from Yadkinville, North Carolina, said he had to cancel his plans for the weekend because of the gasoline shortage.

“Unfortunately, I just can’t risk running out of gas and not finding a station to refill,” Dinkins said. “It’s also not worth it to me to pay extra money for gas at the moment.”

Year over year, gas prices in North Carolina have increased nearly 21 cents, or 6.22 percent, from $2.09 to Thursday’s $2.22.