Gas prices in California stand 36% higher than the national average, per AAA.

Sky-highgasoline pricesare hammering drivers across the United States as theIran warchokes off global oil supply. California, however, may be feeling the sting more than anywhere else.

The average price of a gallon of gasoline in California clocks in at $6.13, standing 36% higher than the national average,AAAdata showed. Some elected officials in the state have warned of a potential oil and gas shortage that could push prices up even further.

Siva Gunda, the vice chairman of the California Energy Commission, on Tuesday said at a hearing of the state assembly that California retains enough gasoline to satiate demand over the coming weeks.

"I do not see presently -- at least up to six weeks -- a supply shortfall," Gunda said. "Beyond that, based on what we're hearing from the industry and what we've observed, the pricing will move molecules to California, but it will come at a price."

David Alvarez, a Democratic California state assembly member who represents Southern San Diego, warned of the potential impact on consumers.

"For six weeks, at least, there seems to be some certainty. But almost as certain is if this situation continues after six weeks, we would likely see some price increases," Alvarez said.

Fuel prices in California typically run higher than other states, even in the best of times. That usual price disparity stems from regulations and taxes imposed in the Golden State, among other factors.

The Iran war has exacerbated the price pressure, exposing California's dependence in large part on foreign imports, some analysts said. A shutdown of some key oil refineries in recent months worsened California's vulnerability, slashing the state's gasoline output in the absence of alternative fuel sources.

Still, the drop-off in gas supply is unlikely to produce a shortage of product at local gas stations, since an ongoing surge in prices should deter some buyers, analysts said. Under such a scenario, known as "demand destruction," high prices make gas unaffordable for some drivers, forcing them to forgo gasoline use altogether.

Source: Drudge Report