SAN DIEGO -- Gas prices have broken San Diego's all-time high as rumors of refinery problems have caused prices to surge more than 6 cents over the weekend to an estimated average of $2.23.

FIND CHEAP GAS Find the cheapest prices in San Diego CALCULATE YOUR TRIP Calculate Your Road Trip SOUND OFF Rant About Gas Prices

The Utility Consumers' Action Network says the alleged refinery problems are concerning and is calling for "refinery cops."

Video

Gas Prices Break San Diego's All-Time High

"The circumstances surrounding the refinery outages are disturbingly similar to the electricity crisis of 2000-2001. At that time, we deployed generation cops to ensure that plant outages were legitimate. With repeated and unexplained refinery outages pushing prices to record highs, California desperately needs refinery police to monitor planned and unplanned refinery shutdowns," said UCAN's executive director Michael Shames.

UCAN tracks the prices of more than 400 gasoline stations weekly around San Diego County.

Shames also said the price hikes will have a huge effect on families.

"Unless things change, the average San Diego household is going to be paying approximately $130 a month more for gasoline. Every month a San Diego household will have to take $130 out of the rent they pay, out of their food bill, entertainment bills and they are going to have to give that to the oil companies," Shames said.

So, what can consumers do?

Shames says the best thing a consumer can do is to buy as little gas as possible, check the fuel efficiency before you buy a car or truck, and take public transportation.

Gas Saving Tips

Driving More Efficiently

Observe the speed limit
Avoid excessive idling
Use cruise control
Use overdrive gears

Keeping Your Car In Shape

Check and replace air filters regularly
Keep tires properly inflated
Use the recommended grade of motor oil

Planning, Combining Trips

Try telecommuting
Use carpools and ride-share programs
Avoid carrying unneeded, heavy items

Choosing A More Efficient Vehicle

www.fueleconomy.gov has gas mileage estimates for 1985-2004 model year cars