County Gas Prices 85 Cents Higher Than a Year Ago

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County rose again Monday to $3.922.

The increase—which is the highest amount since Aug. 21, 2008 and is the 32nd jump in 34 days -- came one day after a 1.7-cent price jump.

The average price is 14.9 cents higher than a week ago, 52.7 cents above what it was one month ago and 85.5 cents greater than it was one year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

The statewide average of $3.897 is the highest in the nation, 1.5 cents more than Hawaii, which is second. The nationwide average is $3.509.

Gasoline prices in California are typically among the highest in the nation because of taxes and a state law mandating a special blend of fuel to reduce emissions, said analysts. Analysts also attribute the rising prices to increasing prices for imported crude oil stemming from concerns over the unrest in the Middle East and North Africa interrupting the flow of oil.

Crude oil costs account for two-thirds to three-quarters of the price of a gallon of gasoline, according to Tupper Hull of the Western States Petroleum Association, a trade association representing oil companies in six western states.