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Fuel Prices Spike In California, Home To Highest Gas Prices In Nation

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Drivers in California pay more to fill up their tanks than anywhere else in the nation, and San Franciscans pay the most.

A new report from AAA blames a sudden spike in gasoline prices on refinery issues. Pump prices rose about $.17, and the average price of a unleaded regular is $2.85 per gallon.

"California continues to weather ongoing refinery issues and remains the most expensive state for gasoline," said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. "California ranks third in the nation in refining capacity and refineries in the state typically operate at higher-than-average levels to meet demand."

According to the latest AAA survey, the least expensive gasoline in the state is in Marysville -- $2.44 a gallon. The most expensive is in San Francisco, where the average price is $2.83 a gallon.

Drivers in other parts of the nation are paying the lowest prices for gas in years. The average price of a gallon of unleaded is $1.96, the cheapest since March 23, 2009.

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