January 2012 saw an unusually high increase in the price of gas across the United States. Some industry experts are trying to rationalize the increase by pointing to increased prices in crude oil but the retailers have not had enough time to pass this cost onto consumers yet. It is likely gas prices will inch up a few more cents in February as retailers catch up and begin to pass on the higher price of crude oil. California saw increases of up to twelve cents with Los Angeles leading the nation in average price per gallon of $3.69. Other areas have seen sharp increases as well, including traditionally low cost states like Maine, which had an increase of nine cents. This time last year national averages for gasoline was thirty cents lower indicating it could be another tough year at the pump for consumers.