The verdict is in, and gas prices aren't going down anytime soon, according to the American Automobile Association. The California state average is $4.51 per gallon — a full $1.17 over the national average for a gallon of regular.
Hawaii and Nevada are right behind the golden state as the highest cost per gallon in the market — with averages of $4.25 and $3.89 per gallon of regular, respectively.
The $3.34 national average may seem low, but it's actually up five cents from last week, AAA said. That's 15 cents more than last month and more than $1 than this time last year.
The primary driver of the price hike? Crude oil, which the auto club said is now more than $80 per barrel.
"Compared to the price of gas a year ago, it now costs consumers about $17 more to fill up their vehicles,” said Andrew Gross, a AAA spokesperson. “That’s the cost of a large pizza with toppings. And unfortunately, it doesn’t look like drivers will be finding relief at the pump any time soon.”
The odd thing is, demand for gasoline fell 2.5%, from 9.43 million barrels per day to 9.19 million barrels per day, AAA said. Typically, the decrease in demand would mean some relief at the pump — but the higher cost of crude oil is blocking the price decrease for consumers.
"Forecasts from the International Energy Agency for more robust oil demand, especially heating oil this winter, are also keeping crude oil prices elevated," AAA said.
To see and compare gas prices across the nation, click here.
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