Auto Club: California Gas Prices Climb Nearly 40 Cents In One Month

California continues to lead the nation with the highest gas prices in the country. According to the Auto Club's Weekend Gas Watch, today's statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.63. By comparison, the national average stands at $2.98, which is six cents higher than a week ago and 15 cents lower than on this date last year.

Just one month ago, the average price for a gallon of gas in California was $4.24. Today's average reflects an increase of nearly 40 cents in just 30 days. One year ago, drivers in California were paying an average of $4.82 per gallon - 19 cents higher than today's statewide average.

Regional prices also reflect the upward trend. The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.68 per gallon, six cents higher than last week and nine cents lower than a year ago. In San Diego, the average price is $4.67 - five cents higher than last week and 10 cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.55, up four cents from last week and 17 cents lower than a year ago. In Riverside, the average price per gallon is $4.53, five cents higher than last week and 11 cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.53 average is four cents higher than last week and 13 cents lower than one year ago.

While current statewide prices are not at record levels, the sharp increase in a short period is placing added financial pressure on consumers' wallets.

AAA recommends that drivers follow simple fuel-saving tips to help offset higher costs, including keeping up with routine vehicle maintenance, avoiding aggressive driving and speeding, and shopping around for the lowest gas prices in their area.

"Gas prices in California are on the rise for several reasons," said Auto Club spokesperson Kandace Redd. "The closures of the Valero Energy refinery in Benicia and Phillips 66 in Los Angeles have reduced refinery capacity, tightening fuel supplies statewide. Seasonal refinery maintenance is also temporarily limiting gasoline production, with refineries such as PBF in Torrance undergoing planned work. In addition, California's transition to summer-blend gasoline - which is more expensive to produce - is contributing to higher prices."

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 26, averages are: