San Diego County gas prices climbed for the 12th consecutive day Monday, March 2, pushing the average for a gallon of self-serve regular to $4.698 — the highest level since December 3, according to AAA.

The average has risen 9.1 cents over the past 12 days, is 4.9 cents higher than last week, and 23.9 cents higher than one month ago. Nationally, the average sits at $2.997, meaning San Diego drivers are paying nearly $1.70 more per gallon than the rest of the country.

Experts point to two major refinery disruptions. The closure of the Valero Energy refinery in Benicia and Phillips 66 in Los Angeles have reduced statewide refinery capacity, tightening fuel supplies across California. Seasonal maintenance at the PBF Energy refinery in Torrance is adding further pressure on production.

"The closures of the Valero Energy refinery in Benicia and Phillips 66 in Los Angeles have reduced refinery capacity, tightening fuel supplies statewide," said Kandace Redd, senior public affairs specialist for the Automobile Club of Southern California. "Seasonal refinery maintenance is also temporarily limiting gasoline production."

For Santee residents — many of whom commute via SR-52, SR-67, or I-8 — the cumulative hit is real. A typical 15-gallon fill-up now costs over $70 at average county prices. Prices have fallen $1.737 since hitting a record $6.435 on October 5, 2022, and are still 5.7 cents below where they were one year ago, but the recent upward streak has budget-minded drivers watching closely. Experts have not indicated when the trend is expected to reverse.