Gas Prices Reach Record Highs Across SoCal
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County recorded its largest increase since Feb. 19, 2021, Wednesday, rising 3 cents to $4.928, its 24th record in 27 days.
The average price has risen 28 times in 31 days, increasing 25.9 cents, including 1.2 cents Tuesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 13.2 cents more than one week ago, 22.6 cents higher than one month ago and $1.173 greater than one year ago.
The Orange County average price recorded its largest increase since Nov. 11, rising 3.4 cents to $4.904, its 23rd record in 28 days. It has increased 18 of the past 20 days, rising 18.2 cents, including 1.5 cents Tuesday.
The Orange County average price is 12.7 cents more than one week ago, 21.7 cents higher than one month ago and $1.164 greater than one year ago.
CBSLA's Michele Gile sought out the cheapest gas in Orange County and found that a Sams Club in Fullerton was charging $4.29 for a gallon of regular gas for members.
Driver Patrick Thomas was filling up Wednesday at a Chevron in Costa Mesa that has the highest prices in Orange County.
"I had no idea," he said. Usually, I just go to whatever is first, I don't spend time looking for the cheapest prices. Otherwise, if I do I just end up wasting gas trying to find the cheapest price."
The Auto Club of Southern California says several factors are sending prices through the roof.
The war in Ukraine, inflation and the switch to the summer blend of gasoline will continue to drive up the cost of a gallon of gas.
"So we've got about two months to go before prices peak traditionally," said Auto Club of Southern California spokesperson Marie Montgomery.
"Generally speaking, 30 to 50 cents a gallon is the typical increase that we see in the springtime between January and May."