Auto Club: Iran Conflict Sends Gas Prices Soaring

The Middle East conflict that began last weekend sent gas prices soaring in Southern California and throughout the U.S., according to the Auto Club's Weekend Gas Watch. Today's statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.81, an 18-cent jump from last week and five cents higher than at this time last year. The national average jumped by 27 cents in a week to $3.25, which is 15 cents higher than on this date last year.

The statewide average gas price has increased by more than 60 cents a gallon from its lowest point of this year - $4.19 on Jan. 21.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.88 per gallon, 20 cents higher than last week and 15 cents higher than a year ago. In San Diego, the average price is $4.89 - 22 cents higher than last week and 15 cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.73, up 18 cents from last week and four cents higher than a year ago. In Riverside, the average price per gallon is $4.77, 24 cents higher than last week and 19 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.68 average is 15 cents higher than last week and four cents higher than one year ago.

"With gas prices soaring on a daily basis, the Auto Club highly recommends that consumers shop around for the lowest price near them by using an online tool such as the free AAA Mobile app," said Auto Club spokesperson Kandace Redd. "It's unknown how long these price spikes will last or how high prices will climb - that will all depend on how long oil supplies remain disrupted. Oil prices have increased by about $10 a barrel since last weekend."

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 5, averages are:

The Auto Club recommends these tips for drivers to save money on fuel:

• Optimize your fuel economy with steady speeds, no hard braking, and no "jackrabbit starts."
• Don't haul extra weight in the passenger compartment or trunk, which reduces fuel economy.
• Properly maintain your vehicle and keep tires properly inflated according to the pressure listed in your owner's manual, which will optimize fuel economy.
• Use the recommended fuel for your vehicle, and don't use mid-grade or premium unless it is specifically recommended in your owner's manual. AAA research shows the higher-grade fuel offers no extra benefit for vehicles that aren't required to use it.
• Look into discounts. AAA members who sign up for the Shell Fuel Rewards Program at AAA.com/Shell can save 30 cents a gallon on their first fill-up, and five cents a gallon on all other fill-ups. Other retailers such as grocery stores also offer fuel discount programs, and some credit cards offer gas discounts.
• If your household has more than one vehicle, use the most fuel-efficient one as much as possible.
• Consolidate errands to reduce mileage and avoid driving during peak hours when traffic congestion will reduce your fuel efficiency.