California gas prices have seen a notable increase, climbing to an average of $4. 52 per gallon, which is a 20-cent rise from last week. This marks the second consecutive week of price increases, as reported by the U. S. Energy Information Administration.

Over the past year, gas prices in California have fluctuated widely, with the lowest recorded price being $4. 22 per gallon on January 2, 2023, and the highest reaching $5. 90 on October 2, 2023. In contrast, the average gas price in the United States last week was $3. 18, indicating that Californians are paying about 42% more than the national average.

Last year, the state's average was even higher at $5. 55 per gallon, reflecting a significant decline in prices over the past year. The article includes a call to action for readers to check how their local gas prices have changed through an interactive feature on the Visalia Times-Delta website. This information is critical for residents and commuters who are impacted by these rising costs. The piece is a timely reminder of the ongoing volatility in fuel prices, which can significantly influence both local economies and individual budgets.