GASOLINE PRICES in California are rising sharply (Pexels/Gustavo Fring).

Ouch.

If you’re filling up the tank of your Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Kia, Nissan, etc. these days, you may have to consider dipping into your kids’ college fund.

The price of a gallon of gas has skyrocketed by over a dollar in a year, and is especially climbing now in the wake of the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to orangecountygasprices.com, the average price of a gallon of “regular” in the OC is now  – as of Thursday – at $5.183. That’s up from $4.718 in mid-February and from $3.749 a year ago.

In West Orange County, the prices range widely, based on the retailer and location.  The lowest price per gallon for regular gasoline is $4.49 at the Costco in Huntington Beach, followed by the price of $4.55 at Garden Grove’s Costco.

The Arco station at 13361 Harbor Blvd. (at Banner Street) is a relative bargain at $4.59 per gallon.

If you’re interested in spending more, you can go to the Union 76 at Westminster Avenue and Magnolia Street in Garden Grove and pay – in cash – $5.59 per gallon.

If that’s not enough, you can leave the area (thereby burning more gas) and visit the Union 76 at Junipero Road and Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, where gas sells for $5.67 a gallon.

The cost of gasoline is dependent on many causes, including temporary impacts of weather (especially during the winter), international oil production trends and prices and interruptions in refining due to industrial accidents.

Russia’s move into Ukraine is considered to be a major force in driving prices up, as the possibility of sanctions on Russian energy products created fear of a reduction in available fuels.

Also affecting what you pay at the pump is where you live in the United States. California has the highest level of “gas tax.” The national average is now $3.907 per gallon.

Note to readers: The local prices noted here are self-reported by motorists and may change without notice.