Gas Prices Jump Toward Record Highs

Gas prices have gone up 20 cents each of the past two days around California because of refinery shortages in California, according to oil companies.

In Santa Cruz the range is much lower than over the hill. Gas was $4.35 at Rod and Ros at 1024 Water St. and as high as $4.71 at the Chevron at 404 Soquel Ave.

In Menlo Park prices at a Chevron were $5.05 for regular and $5.35 for premium.

The nationwide record high for average prices is $4.61, according to this story in the Mercury News. The national average price now is $3.79, according to the Huffington Post.

Prices skyrocketed 20 cents in Los Angeles Friday morning, causing some Costcos to shut down their gas stations rather than charge the high prices it would take to break even, according to the Huffington Post.

Manufacturers blame the raise on a shortage of refineries in California and a shortage of gas in California. The state's pollution controls require a special blend for summer gasoline until Oct. 31. Stations have asked the deadline to be moved up.

California has become the most expensive state in the nation for gas, passing Hawaii by 8 cents, the Huffington Post adds.

Two days before the boost President Barack Obama, during the first debate, said oil companies weren't paying enough taxes.