Gas prices in Southern California skyrocket again
Gas prices are rising again across Southern California. The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose for the 22nd consecutive day, increasing 7.4 cents Saturday to $5.689.
The average price has increased 44.3 cents over the past 22 days, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 26.1 cents more than one week ago, 37.1 cents higher than one month ago, and $1.286 greater than one year ago.
The current streak of increases follows a run of 78 decreases in 80 days totaling $1.216. The average price is 77.3 cents less than the record high of $6.462 set June 14.
The Orange County average price rose for the seventh time in the last eight days, increasing 6.4 cents to $5.668. It has increased 28.4 cents over the past eight days, and is 27.9 cents more than one week ago, 45.2 cents more than one month ago, and $1.312 higher than one year ago.
The Orange County average price is 74.2 cents less than the record of $6.41 set on June 12.
"Oil Price Information Service reports that several local refineries are undergoing unplanned maintenance as fuel inventories are at their lowest levels in a decade, which caused Los Angeles wholesale gas prices to rise sharply this week," said Doug Shupe, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications and programs manager.
The national average price rose for the fourth consecutive day following a 98-streak of decreases, increasing 1.1 cents to $3.70. It is 1.8 cents more than one week ago, 18.3 cents lower than one month ago, and 51.1 cents more than one year ago.
The national average price is $1.316 less than the record $5.016 set June 14.