"California Gas Prices Soar Above $5, Set to Climb Further"
Gas prices in Los Angeles County have surpassed $5 per gallon, with Orange County not far behind. The increase is attributed to rising crude oil prices, which are currently over $80 per barrel, and the impending switch to California's more expensive summer blend of gas. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.533, according to AAA, and prices are expected to continue rising in the coming weeks.