(RALEIGH) -- While gas prices continue a steady decline ahead of the July 4th weekend, the North Carolina gas tax is going up 2.5 cents a gallon starting July 1st.  The hike is part of a periodic automatic recalculation.

Representative John Blust said the General assembly needs to take a look at the tax.  "I would think most people would say, look we're already the second highest gas tax, even before this increase, in the southeast.  How are the other state managing," said Blust.

The state gas tax is currently 32.5 cents a gallon. On Friday it will go up to 35 cents a gallon.

Twice a year the gas tax is recomputed.  Legislative leaders have indicated that they want to cap the tax.