From Feb. 8 through March 18, gasoline prices around the nation steadily increased. While there was only one day out of the 38 days where prices didn't go up, the price of gas hit its highest in the last six months, according to USA Today.

The national average price of gas is currently set at $3.52 per gallon, but several states are paying $3.75 per gallon. Hawaii is paying the most for its gas prices at $4.17 per gallon.

The steady rise in gas prices in states with the highest rates are attributed to difficulties and cost of transporting oil and refined goods, according to USA Today. Eight of the 10 states also pay the highest in gasoline tax prices. California, New York, Connecticut and Hawaii residents pay the most in both gas and tax prices, with California drivers paying 52 cents per gallon in state taxes.

The top 10 states with the highest gas prices in the nation, according to the newspaper, are: Pennsylvania ($3.64 per gallon); Maine ($3.64 per gallon); Indiana ($3.66 per gallon); Michigan ($3.72 per gallon); Illinois ($3.76 per gallon); Connecticut ($3.77 per gallon); New York ($3.78 per gallon); Alaska ($3.84 per gallon); California ($3.97 per gallon); and Hawaii ($4.17 per gallon).

The publication used data and information from the U.S. Energy Information Administration's 2013 Refinery Capacity Report, AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, and AAA Public Relations Manager Michael Green's interview with 24/7 Wall St. to compile its list of "10 states with the highest gas prices."

Green told 24/7 Wall St. that seasonal factors have had a large affect on the recent rise of prices.

"Refinery maintenance, the switchover to summer blend gasoline, and more-recently rising demand," has been major contributors to the increased prices, Green said.

He also said that states the furthest away from the nation's major refineries, which are more abundant in the Midwest, are more likely to get hit the hardest when going to the pump.

"The closer you are to a refinery, generally means you'll pay less at the pump," Green said. "Refineries along the West Coast and Northeast generally buy higher priced Brent crude oil from overseas."

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