After weeks of declining gas prices, Americans are again paying more at the pump with retailers charging an average of more than $2 per gallon in all but one state.

The nationwide average price of self-serve regular gasoline had dropped to a season low of $2.122 per gallon on Dec. 4, 2005, according to AAA's daily, online Fuel Gauge Report, before reversing course and rising 5.8 cents to $2.18 per gallon as of today.

Energy demand created by cold winter temperatures and the approaching holidays were cited by AAA as primary reasons for the higher prices.

Today's nationwide average price compares to an average price of $1.866 per gallon recorded one year ago, the nation's largest travel organization said.

The highest statewide average price is in Hawaii at $2.64 per gallon. Motorists in Alaska are paying the next highest price at $2.503 per gallon. New Yorkers are paying an average $2.36 per gallon; the third highest state average price.

The lowest state-wide average gasoline prices in the nation are in Utah at $1.998 per gallon, followed by South Carolina at $2.055 per gallon.

Nationwide, the price of self-serve, mid-grade gasoline averages $2.315 per gallon, a decrease from $2.461 per gallon in the middle of last month, and up from $1.981 one year ago. Self-serve premium averages $2.398 per gallon, down from $2.558 per gallon one month ago and up from $2.054 one year ago.

The national average prices for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline for AAA's mid-November survey for the last five years are: 2004, $1.866; 2003, $1.471; 2002, $1.378; 2001, $1.115; and 2000, $1.496.