National average gas prices pushed past $4.50 per gallon for the first time since July 2022 on Wednesday, according to the latest data by the American Automobile Association (AAA). The national average hit $4.536 as of Wednesday, a rise of about 5¢ from Tuesday's average of $4.483, the AAA said. In California, where drivers paid the highest price for gas, the statewide average reached $6.160 on Wednesday, according to AAA. In Oklahoma, where they paid the lowest, the statewide average was $3.