Average Gas Price Nears $4 (Again); Middle East Tension Blamed

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County Thursday recorded its largest daily increase since June 22, rising 2.3 cents to $3.96.

The average price has risen 15 of the past 17 days, rising 12.1 cents over the span, including 2.2 cents on both Tuesday and Wednesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

The average price is 10.2 cents more than one week ago and 3.3 cents higher than one month ago but 19.2 cents lower than one year ago, thanks to a stretch of 33 decreases in 34 days that ended Aug. 27.

The cheapest gas in Poway is $3.79 per gallon at several stations, including Costco, according to GasBuddy.com.

The rising pump prices are caused by increasing oil prices stemming from continued Middle East tension, according to Jeffrey Spring of the Automobile Club of Southern California.

-City News Service