SAN DIEGO -- San Diego gasoline prices have surged since Sept. 14 to a record high in October, according to the Auto Club's monthly Fuel Gauge Report released Tuesday.

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The average price for regular self-serve unleaded gasoline in San Diego is $2.379, compared to $2.143 on Sept. 14.

Last year's record October high price was $1.87. Statewide, the average price for October is $2.340.

Chula Vista recorded the highest average gasoline price in San Diego County at $2.41; Del Mar is $2.359; Escondido is $2.272; and Oceanside is $2.381.

"Continued high crude prices have hit consumers during the past two weeks with a vengeance," said the Auto Club's Carol Thorp. "Investor fear of international unrest in oil-producing countries and continued reduced production due to Hurricane Ivan in the Gulf of Mexico has pushed crude oil prices to record levels.

"Even though the bulk of crude for California comes from in-state sources and Alaska, about a third comes from foreign countries," she said. "California-based refiners have to compete on the international markets for that oil."

Nationally, the average price is $1.97, up from $1.84 in September.

The Auto Club's Fuel Gauge Report is based on data gathered from monitoring fuel transactions at 2,800 Southern California gas stations.