Gas prices climb to six-month high: AAA

Gas prices are sitting at their highest in more than six months, and demand continues to break seasonal records.

According to a recent report from AAA, the national average of gasoline has been above $2 a gallon for the last 40 straight days.

Still, drivers can expect discounted gasoline prices compared to previous years, despite recent price hikes at the pump, according to AAA.

"The latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows an increase in both crude oil inventories and gasoline inventories, which should help offset growing demand and keep pump prices relatively low," according to the report.

The average price of gasoline, at around $2.22 per gallon, represents an increase on the week, but a surplus of gasoline supplies and relatively lower crude oil costs are helping to sustain year-over-year savings. Prices are still at their lowest levels since 2009.

Demand has hit seasonal records in 2016 despite higher recent crude prices, which increased by 52 cents per gallon after hitting a 2016 low in mid-February.

AAA consumer attitude surveys reveal that half of U.S. drivers believe gas is "too high" at $2.50 per gallon, though only 9 percent of U.S. stations sell for more than that today.

The west holds the nation's top five most expensive markets, with California averaging $2.80 a gallon, while the least expensive market is Oklahoma at $1.96. The most common price at the pump is $1.999 per gallon, according to the report.