The average price of a gallon of gasoline in Southern California has jumped 28 cents from March to April and is still climbing, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California monthly Fuel Gauge Report. Since January, prices have climbed nearly 55 cents due to speculation over international oil production and short supplies of the fuel additive, ethanol.

The Southern California April average price for regular self-serve gasoline is $2.903, up from the March 14 average of $2.626.

Statewide, the average price for April is $2.860, up from 2.573 in March. The all-time record high of $3.054 was set on Sept. 9, 2005. The lowest average price in the state is in Sacramento, where regular is selling for $2.742. Blythe reports the state's highest average price at $3.11.

Nationally, the average price is $2.686, up from $2.363 in March. The state with the highest gas price average is Hawaii at $2.969. Utah has the lowest average price of $2.339.