Photo by Vince Taroc.

Photo by Vince Taroc.

The national average gasoline price spiked 27 cents to $2.65 for the week, as a result of Hurricane Harvey's deluge in the Gulf Coast, according to AAA.

Motorists in 26 states are paying 25 to 44 cents more for a gallon on unleaded, and the average price has increased in every state except Alaska, Idaho, Hawaii, and Utah. The current price level is near the two-year high of $2.67 per gallon reached from Aug. 15 to 18 in 2015.

Florida is now bracing for Hurricane Irma, which could reach the southern part of the state this weekend.

"AAA will continue to monitor Irma’s path and the potential impact the hurricane could have on residents in the area, as well as the refineries, pipelines and supply distribution components," said Jeanette Casselano, a AAA spokesperson.

Eight Gulf Coast refineries have begun restarting, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That would account for about 10% of Gulf Coast refining capabilities. At its peak, Hurricane Harvey knocked out 27% of capacity.

At least four refineries have begun partial operation, and pipelines shut-down by Harvey have resumed operations or are in the process of coming back online, according to AAA.

Meanwhile, the price of a gallon of diesel increased 15.3 cents to $2.758, which is 35.1 cents higher than a year ago.

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