Gas continues to give drivers indigestion at the pumps this year, as prices have skyrocketed during the past month.

Despite the state's normally lower prices compared to the rest of the country, Pennsylvania's average was $1.73 a gallon as of yesterday -- only 1 cent lower than the national average of $1.74, said Ted Leonard, general manager of AAA in Harrisburg.

"It's been bad," Amy Rega (freshman-science) said. "Everyone carpools and chips in for gas. We cram people in just to save money."

There are a variety of reasons why prices are high, Leonard said.

"Labor Day is a heavily traveled weekend," Leonard said. "There are also the continuing problems in the Middle East, fires in the Midwest and the blackout a couple weeks ago was another big issue."

Gas prices should drop in mid-September when fewer people travel for vacation, and the other problems are resolved, Leonard said.

"Once we get into September, things are probably going to level out and prices will decline," he said. "Pennsylvania is typically lower than the national average though."

Leonard said there are several things drivers can do to save money on gas.

"I would suggest keeping the car well-maintained," Leonard said. "Keep your tires inflated, try to carpool when you can and cut down on trips."

Christine Culver, an employee at the Unimart gas station at 401 S. Pugh St., said she has not gotten much negative feedback from customers in the past few weeks, despite the high cost of gas.

"But I did run out of gas the other day, and I have a big car," Culver said. "I didn't realize I was going to need $40 worth of gas to fill my tank for three days."

Dan Kinkaid (senior-genetics) who works at the MinitMart gas station at 106 N. Atherton St., said he has encountered many complaints while working.

"I don't pay for my gas, but if I did I would be angry about it because I would have to work more hours to keep up," Kinkaid said.

While some drivers are dealing with the high gas prices, others aren't feeling the increase at all as they use alternate methods of transportation.

Bailey Klinestiver, a recent Penn State graduate, said she tries not to use her car when possible.

"I haven't really been affected by the gas prices," Klinestiver said. "I try to walk or ride my bike usually."

Rachel Hammond (senior-math education) said she is happy she has a smaller car.

"Prices have always been high, but this has been the worst ever," Hammond said. "I have seen a significant difference this month and I've been losing about $20 a month to fill my car."