The national average gasoline price increased two cents to $2.44 per gallon for the week ending Dec. 26, as more drivers hit the road for the holidays, according to AAA.

Even with the incremental increase, drivers in 33 states are paying less for fuel this week than they did a week ago. Some are paying as much as nine cents less. Today's price is about 26 cents higher than a year ago.

The cheapest gasoline can be found in Alabama ($2.17), while the most expensive can now be found in Hawaii ($3.29).

"The majority of motorists have seen savings at the pump this month," said Jeanette Casselano, a AAA spokesperson. "The national gas price average is over five cents cheaper than the beginning of December."

The states with the largest weekly price changes include Michigan (up 17 cents), Ohio (up 15 cents), Indiana (up 12 cents), Illinois (up 11 cents), Kentucky (up nine cents), Alaska (up nine cents), Wisconsin (up seven cents), Missouri (up five cents), North Dakota (down four cents) and West Virginia (up four cents).

Gasoline is the least expensive in states such as Alabama ($2.17), Texas ($2.17), Mississippi ($2.18), Arkansas ($2.18), Oklahoma ($2.19), South Carolina ($2.20), Missouri ($2.20), Louisiana ($2.22), Kansas ($2.22) and Tennessee ($2.23).

Meanwhile, the average price of a gallon of diesel increased two-tenths of a cent to $2.903, which is 36.3 cents higher than it was a year ago.