It was barely noticeable, but the price of gas went up Monday when a new state tax of 10.5 percent per gallon went into effect.

This is the first time the gas tax has been raised since 2005.

It is part of the transportation budget that passed in April to get funds to repair roads and bridges. Diesel fuel tax also went up by 19 cents.

That makes the total tax on gasoline 38.5 cents per gallon and diesel fuel tax 47 cents a gallon.

According to AAA, across Ohio, gasoline prices were averaging $2.64, an increase of nine cents over last week. However, it is lower than last year when the average price was $2.75.

In Ironton, gas prices were around $2.29 a gallon. In Portsmouth, it was $2.535. In Ashland, Kentucky it was $2.49.

“For the more than 41 million motorists hitting the road this week to celebrate the Independence Day holiday, they will find gas prices cheaper than Memorial Day weekend, but more expensive than they’ve been paying the last few weeks,” AAA said. 

AAA said that gasoline stocks are robust in this region but there were several factors that could increase prices, including the closure of the PES refinery in Philadelphia which will increase transportation costs as gas comes from other suppliers, increased demand due to summer travel and OPEC expected to reduce production through the end of the year.

Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at GasPrices.AAA.com.