Image by Flickr user The Alliance for Biking and Walking

Update January 31: Over the weekend the unthinkable happened: area gas prices broke the $3 per gallon barrier.

Live 5 News reports that he Exxon station on Ben Sawyer Boulevard and two BP gas stations on Savannah Highway that are selling gas for $3 a gallon or more.

If you're looking for the cheapest gas, North Charleston is the place to fill up.

First reporting: Brace yourselves for higher prices at the pump in 2011.

According to AAA, the average price in South Carolina for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.90, 23 cents higher than a month ago and 44 cents above a year ago. When the new year rolls around, prices in South Carolina are likely to jump to $3 per gallon.

The State has a lengthy post on the issue along with data that shows the comparison of gas prices throughout the state today, a month ago and a year ago. The numbers paint a very clear picture, and it ain't pretty.

As of this afternoon, Charleston gas stations were also hovering at the $2.90 mark.

Get more perspective on South Carolina gas prices on our topic page.