The latest numbers released by the government this afternoon show that an average gallon of self-serve regular in the L.A. area was $3.05 a gallon, up from $2.58 just four weeks ago. That's enough for folks to start noticing the extra $15 or $20 they're shelling out every time they tank up. Normally, oil prices are in lockstep with gasoline prices, but year-to-date, oil is down 3.5 percent and today it fell more than a dollar a barrel, to around $59. There are plenty of explanations offered by industry types on why gas has gone up so much so fast - supply shortages in other parts of the country, the annual switchover to summer grade fuel, etc. - but consumer groups claim that supplies are being deliberately limited in order to raise prices and profit margins. The industry admits that supplies are limited, but claims it’s beyond its control. Take your pick.