Gas Prices Near All-Time Highs: Where To Fill Up In Dana Point

DANA POINT, CA — Fuel costs across Orange County and California continue to skyrocket amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Oil prices soared to more than $100 a barrel on Thursday, and Americans are already feeling pain at the pump as gas prices continue to climb.

In Dana Point, the lowest gasoline prices found Thursday morning were at the 76 gas station at 32611 Niguel Road for $4.69 per gallon of regular self-serve unleaded gasoline, according to GasBuddy.com.

In Orange County, the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline Thursday recorded a 2.5 cent increase to $4.827.

Amid a historic inflation rate, the price for gasoline shot up in recent months — and prices for regular gas keep inching closer to the $5 per gallon mark as the international crisis disrupts oil markets.

"Oil and particularly gas prices will now remain sustainably high," Jefferies strategists said, according to a Bloomberg report. "Inflation pressures will mount further, forcing central banks into an ugly tightening cycle."

Sanctions imposed by the U.S. could prompt Russia to withhold oil from an already strained world market.

READ MORE: CA Inflation Again Hits Record: 'No Sign Of Easing'

The average price has risen 21 of the past 25 days, increasing 14 cents, including eight-tenths of a cent Wednesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

California has the highest gas prices in the nation, close to eclipsing $5. Meanwhile, Missouri has the lowest gas prices in the U.S., with a state average of $3.17 per gallon for regular gas, which residents still consider "high" for their area. Texas, the second-most populous state after California, also has some of the cheapest gas in the country, with a $;3.21 per gallon average price for regular gasoline.