Cheapest Gas in Town: Middle East Tension Pushes Up Prices

Looking to save a few bucks this week? Why not start with the gas for your vehicle.

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County rose 6.1 cents on Friday to $3.68, the highest amount since Sept. 23, 2008.

"Continued Middle East tension has pushed oil prices to levels not seen since 2008, which was the only other year prices were this high,'' said Jeffrey Spring of the Automobile Club of Southern California.

Despite the rise in prices, some stations have to be the cheapest. The two stations currently selling the cheapest gas in Santee are listed below. Local prices are according to GasBuddy.com and reflect prices within the last 24 hours.

At least gas is cheaper in Santee than in Coronado, where it's already above $4 a gallon (see photo).

(Costco membership required):

• Regular- $3.59
• Premium- $3.79

Arco, and :

• Regular- $3.60
• Premium- $3.80

County gas price average: $3.68, +15.4 cents from last week

State average: $3.70

National average: $3.33

(Averages according to AAA)

The 22nd increase in 24 days pushed the average price 15.4 cents higher than a week ago, 33.2 cents above what it was a month ago and 72.8 cents greater than it was one year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

City News Service contributed to this report.