The average price for a gallon of unleaded regular is costing motorists in Charleston around $1.81. That's up nearly 35 cents from this time last month.

In some states there are accusations of price gouging.

High gas prices come at a bad time with record unemployment.

Experts are blaming it on a pipeline rupture in Arizona, the problems in Iraq, and last week's east coast blackout.

The experts say we may get a little relief once the Labor Day holiday is over. Gas prices typically go down at the start of September after most people have taken their summer vacations.