Gasoline prices took another dime-a-gallon jump last week in Iowa, just before the Easter weekend. Rose White, spokeswoman for Triple-A-Iowa, says pump prices have been steadily climbing for nine weeks.

White says, "We have seen crude oil prices drop and processed fuel prices rise." She says analysts blame the gas price rise on a combination of instability in oil-producing regions, rising gas taxes and other factors. She says you have to be a wise shopper, especially for long-distance travelers.

White says, "If you’re are traveling along the major highways or interstates, keep in mind these stations often incur higher operating costs associated with providing customer services." The average price for a gallon of gas in Iowa is $2.71, that’s six-cents below the national average.