In California, gas prices have reached an average of over $6 a gallon. Fuel costs hit everyday Californians every time they shop, travel or dine out.

AAA says prices have surged again nationwide, up nearly 30 cents in just the past week and with the national average now around $4.30 per gallon. In California, drivers are paying much more, with the state average now topping $6 per gallon, $1.20 more than a year ago.

A gas station on 4th and Bryant streets in San Francisco charges more than $7 per gallon.  

This has forced some to change how much they drive.

“I still commute a lot using BART and it’s great, but every couple of weeks when I go to fill up my tank, I see the bill and it’s ridiculous,” said Igor Buchatskiy, a BART rider.

Trucks are the backbone of the American economy; they carry everything that people buy from one place to another. However, as fuel costs have risen, especially diesel fuel, each of those trips have gotten more expensive, and they don’t stop just because it costs more to fill up.

The cost also drives transportation prices up, which businesses then pass on to the shoppers.

“These transportation costs are going to remain elevated for the foreseeable future and creating a problem for businesses which need to either pass those costs along to their customers, or absorb them,” said Bankrate Senior Economic Analyst Mark Hamrick.

And because jet fuel is more expensive, travel costs more in the air or on the ground.

“Trying to get a more gas efficient car, you know, travel less, try to find better prices elsewhere,” Christian Flores of San Jose said.

In California, gas prices have reached an average of over $6 a gallon. Fuel costs hit every-day Californians every time they shop, travel or dine out. Scott Budman reports.

The war with Iran is the major driver behind the increase.

“The long and the short of it is a continuation of the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz being shut down,” said Doug Johnson, AAA Spokesperson.

For now, the higher prices are being somewhat balanced out by a strong Bay Area job market: despite recent tech layoffs, Silicon Valley has added jobs year after year, which helps people to keep shopping.