According to the Associated Press,  the nationwide price price of gas has spiked 34 cents in the last year and is expected to reach $4.25 by late April. The figure would be a 14-cent increase from the July 2008 high of  $4.11 average price per gallon.

But in 12 California cities, the average price of gas has already surpassed $4.25.

"California typically has higher gas prices due to the special blend of gas mandated by the state. This blend of gas burns more cleanly for pollution control," said Jason Toews, a co-founder of GasBuddy.com.  "Also, there was a refinery fire at a BP refinery in Washington state that has led to regional supply disruptions."

The price of crude oil and upheaval in some parts of the world has also played a role in rising gas prices, according to analysts.  "Any time you have uncertainly with Middle Eastern countries, speculators drive up the price of crude oil," said Towes.  "If war breaks out with Iran, that could cause gas prices to go even higher - even as high as $5 or $6 per gallon."

With gas prices continuing to inch up, we asked Gasbuddy to compile a list of areas with the highest prices.

Here's a list of the 25 highest gas prices across the nation: