Regular gas inches toward $4 a gallon nationwide

(April 29, 2011) The average national gas pump price continues to edge toward the $4 mark, according to daily statistics released by AAA. The average pump price for regular today is $3.91.

Mid-grade is selling for $4.03, premium for $4.17 and diesel for $4.15.

Highest prices can be found in such states as Hawaii ($4.57), California ($4.23), Alaska ($4.20), Connecticut ($4.20),  Illinois ($4.17), New York ($4.11), Indiana ($4.11), and Michigan ($4.11). The lowest prices are found in Wyoming ($3.59), Colorado ($3.66), South Carolina ($3.67) and Mississippi ($3.70). 

Gas is at the highest level since July 31, 2008, when pump prices were falling from a record $4.11 a gallon on July 17 of that year.

At the current rate of increase, the national average could reach $4 by May 8, but some analysts expect it to start falling later in May, as refineries return to full production and more gas becomes available.