The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose Tuesday for the fourth consecutive day, increasing four-tenths of a cent to $6.048, its highest amount since Oct. 6, 2023.
The average price has risen 4.8 cents over the past four days, including eight-tenths of a cent on Monday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. The streak follows back-to-back decreases totaling seven-tenths of a cent, the first back-to-back decreases since three consecutive decreases totaling 1.3 cents from Jan. 20-22.
The average price is 4.3 cents more than one week ago, 88.3 cents higher than one month ago and $1.121 greater than one year ago. It is 44.6 cents less than the record $6.494 set on Oct. 5, 2022.
The Orange County average price rose for the 10th time in 11 days, increasing six-tenths of a cent to $5.979, its highest amount since Oct. 5, 2023. It has risen 8 cents over the past 11 days, including two-tenths of a cent on Monday. The average price increased five consecutive days, dropped 1.4 cents on Thursday, and resumed rising the following day.
The Orange County average price is 4.1 cents more than one week ago, 82.6 cents higher than one month ago and $1.091 greater than one year ago. It is 48 cents less than the record $6.459 set on Oct. 5, 2022.
Prices were rising slightly in line with seasonal norms before the joint U.S./Israel attack on Iran on Feb. 28 sent oil prices higher and drastically accelerated increases at the gas pump.
The national average price rose to its highest amount since Aug. 3, 2022, increasing 2.1 cents to $4.14. It has risen 10 consecutive days, increasing 16.4 cents, including nine-tenths of a cent on Monday.
The national average price is 12.2 cents more than one week ago, 72.7 cents higher than one month ago and 88.1 cents greater than one year ago. It is 87.6 cents less than the record $5.016 set on June 14, 2022.
“Gasoline prices are poised for another jolt this week, with many inland states — including the Plains, Great Lakes, and parts of the Rockies — likely to see sharp increases as last week’s surge in wholesale costs has yet to be fully passed through to consumers,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, which provides real-time gas price information from more than 150,000 stations, said in a statement released Monday.
“In addition, some price-cycling markets could also see another round of increases. As a result, the national average could rise by double digits, potentially reaching the $4.20 to $4.35 per gallon range in the days ahead.
“Recent escalations between the U.S. and Iran have further intensified concerns about prolonged disruptions to global oil flows, keeping markets on edge. At this point, the trajectory of fuel prices remains highly uncertain and is largely contingent on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Until that occurs, the risk of further increases remains firmly in place.”