by Jonathan Lansner

September was not a good month for the wallets of California drivers.

Statewide, gasoline prices soared to a record premium above the national norm, skyrocketing five times faster than the U.S. increase in a period better known for price cuts.

There’s plenty of blame to go around. Middle East tensions boosted global crude oil prices, a critical fuel component. Trade battles make imports tricky. And California refineries have had some production challenges.

Read more at the Orange County Register.