Map of the Day: Gas Prices Around the Country

The USA National Gas Temperature Map by LosAngelesGasPrices.com

Oh my, look at California. The darkest state of them all... on this map, at least. In fact, California currently has the second most expensive gas in the country next to Alaska, whose current average price of a regular is $4.572. The Golden State sits 6-cents below at 4.510 (and Los Angeles is around $4.50).

Why does California have some of the highest prices? In a nutshell, high taxes. Then on top of that, add stringent pollution requirements. "It costs more to refine the gasoline -- it's a more costly driving blend," explained Jason Towes, co-founder of LosAngelesGasPrices.com.