Drivers Feeling Pain At The Gas Pump

Los Angeles - In California and across the country, gas prices have jumped in recent weeks thanks to the continuing turmoil in the Middle East. How are drivers handling this new expense?

Susan Hirasuna found out in the video report.

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The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose to its highest amount since Sept. 11, 2008 today, increasing 2.4 cents to $3.768.

The 26th increase in 27 days pushed the average price 20.2 cents higher than a week ago, 41.6 cents above what it was one month ago and 76.5 cents greater than it was one year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

The Orange County average price rose 2.8 cents today to $3.76, the highest since Sept. 10, 2008.

The Orange County average 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 past 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.