How High Can They Go? Gas Prices Up Again in O.C.

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Orange County rose 2.8 cents today to $3.76, the highest since Sept. 10, 2008.

That price is 20.7 cents more than a week ago, 41.6 cents higher than one month ago and 76.1 cents above what it was one year ago. The Orange County average price has also increased 26 of the last 27 days.

Analysts attribute the rising prices to increasing prices for imported crude oil stemming from the unrest in the Middle East.

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

The least expensive gallon of regular, about $3.70, in Newport Beach, according to motortrend.com, can be found at the at 1461 Superior Ave.