Florida's gasoline prices are now at a record high, according to the consumer organization AAA.

AAA says the record was set Thursday, with a statewide average of over $1.74 a gallon for self-serve regular. That's about $0.02 a gallon higher than the national average, which is now just below the record set last August.

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Legislators are asking why, directing sharp questions at an oil company lobbyist earlier this week. Attorney General Charlie Crist plans a meeting with Big Oil executives next week.

West Palm Beach came in with the highest average price on Thursday, at just over $1.81 a gallon. The lowest prices were in Pensacola, at about $1.69.

AAA says the price of crude oil is going up and there's a transition period between winter and summer fuel blend production. The group also blames political uncertainty in Venezuela and disruptions in supply caused by a ship collision near the mouth of the Mississippi River.