Gas prices in Connecticut have risen slightly since last week — up by 3 cents on average — but have come down from this time last year, according to AAA.

As of this week, a gallon of self-service gasoline costs $3.21, which is down by 13 cents from this time last year, the organization said. That's a little higher than the national average of $3.14.

AAA said the national average price is similarly up 4 cents from the week prior, but down 33 cents down from last year.

"We are in that time of year when pump prices begin to heat up, usually peaking around July," said Alec Slatky, a spokesperson for AAA Northeast. "But unless there's a shock to the global oil market that causes prices to spike, the national average for a gallon of gas will probably stagger higher, with some flat days or even small price dips along the way."

The cheapest area for gas, out of Connecticut's six major metro areas tracked by AAA, is the greater Hartford area at $3.15 a gallon. The greater Bridgeport area was the most expensive at $3.31.

In lower Fairfield County, drivers can expect to pay $3.29 on average; in the New Haven and Meriden metro areas, $3.19; in the New London and Norwich area $3.20; and in Windham, $3.23, according to AAA.

Nationally, Oklahoma and Wyoming both have the lowest gas prices at $2.67 a gallon on average. Hawaii and California have the highest prices, at $4.66 and $4.57, respectively, AAA said.

Across the U.S., Connecticut ranks 13th in the nation for highest gas prices, according to AAA.