Gas in California is getting close to $6 per gallon

Gas prices in California are quickly reaching $6 per gallon. The state average has increased by 30 cents in the last week alone, according to AAA, to $5.76 per gallon.

Gas prices in the Los Angeles-Long Beach metro region touched $6.03 per gallon on Tuesday, up 47 cents in a week, making the change even more striking there.

However, sticker shock affects drivers nationwide, not just in California. Gas prices have increased to an average of $4 per gallon in 11 states, with Washington and Nevada having the highest prices.

Gas prices nationwide continue to be much lower than the record of $5.02 set in June of last year. However, according to AAA, US petrol prices rose this week to $3.88 per gallon, the highest level of the entire year.

Furthermore, oil prices, which are the key factor influencing retail pump prices, keep rising, largely due to Saudi Arabia and Russia's desire for it. 

The significant production cuts by those two countries helped push US oil prices up to a high of $93.74 per barrel on Tuesday. That represents a new 10-month high. The international standard for crude oil, Brent, is approaching $100.

Consumers are hurt by the increase in petrol prices, particularly lower-income families. It serves as a stark reminder of the cost of living right now.