The last month brought gas price increases of about half a penny a day to most areas of Southern California, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California monthly Fuel Gauge Report.

The Southern California April average price for regular self-serve gasoline is $2.348, about 14 cents higher than the March average price of $2.212. In April 2008, the monthly Fuel Gauge Report average for Southern California was $3.718 – $1.37 higher than the current monthly average.

The statewide average price of $2.341 is also 14 cents higher than the March average of $2.204. The state’s lowest average price is in La Habra, where regular sells for $2.264. Tahoe City has the highest price average in the state at $2.753.

Nationally, the average price of $2.05 is 11 cents higher than the March average of $1.941. Alaska has the highest state average price at $2.539, and New Jersey has the lowest state average price, at $1.877. More than half of the U.S. states have price averages higher than $2 a gallon.

“Oil industry analysts are saying that once again, the stock market and the value of the dollar are playing a role in propping up crude oil prices despite continued lower demand and a large stockpile of crude oil,” said Auto Club spokesperson Jeffrey Spring. “Fortunately for motorists, though, the effect on gas prices is minimal compared to last year.”