Cheapest Gas in Town, Not So Cheap: Libyan Unrest to Blame?

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 today to its highest amount since Aug. 27, 2008, increasing 3.4 cents to $3.869

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.

(Costco membership required):

• Regular- $3.79
• Premium- $3.99

Arco, and :

• Regular- $3.80
• Premium- $4.00

County gas price average: $3.87, +21.7 cents from a week ago

State average: $3.845

National average: $3.47

(Averages according to AAA)

The 29th increase in 31 days pushed the average price 19 cents higher than a week ago, 48.8 cents above what it was one month ago and 84 cents greater than it was one year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

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

"As we get closer to the $4 a gallon mark, it's interesting to note that average prices are becoming much closer between all cities in California, even though there is usually at least a 15-cent gap in average prices between the lowest and highest-priced areas,'' said Jeffrey Spring of the Automobile Club of Southern California.

City News Service contributed to this report.