The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in the Inland Empire rose today to its highest amount since Aug. 24, 2008, increasing 1.1 cents to $3.905.
The 35th increase in 36 days pushed the average price in Riverside and San Bernardino counties 13.5 cents higher than a week ago, 51.7 cents above what it was one month ago and 84.6 cents greater than it was one year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
The average price is 70.9 cents less than the record high of $4.614 set on June 22, 2008.
California drivers received a small bit of solace today as the state no longer has the nation’s highest statewide average price. That distinction now belongs to Hawaii, where the average price rose 3.3 cents today to $3.929. The California average price rose 1.2 cents today to $3.92.
The nationwide average rose seven-tenths of a cent today to $3.524.
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.
Analysts 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.
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