The price for a gallon of regular unleaded is averaging $3.10 in Fresno, an increase of $0.84 cents from this time last year. In Visalia the average is $3.08 up $0.76 from last year. And in Merced it's $3.04, up $0.81 year to year.
Experts say the price hikes are linked to crude oil which has been steadily rising. Prices in California are traditionally higher in March; because that's when refiners begin make the switch to a more expensive, but cleaner burning summer blend.
