The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles rose Wednesday for the 40th time in 45 days, increasing 2.6 cents to $5.43, its highest amount since Nov. 16.
The average price has increased 45.8 cents over the past 45 days, including seven-tenths of a cent Tuesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It rose 30 consecutive days, dropped two of the next three days, rose five of the next six days, was unchanged Friday and has risen four of the past five days.
The average price is 6 cents more than one week ago, 27.7 cents higher than one month ago and 13.9 cents above what it was one year ago. It has dropped $1.064 since rising to a record $6.494 on Oct. 5.
The Orange County average price rose for the 38th time in 44 days, increasing 2.4 cents to $5.386, its highest amount since Nov. 15. It has risen 48.5 cents over the past 44 days, including six-tenths of a cent Tuesday.
The Orange County average price is 6.9 cents more than one week ago, 28.8 cents higher than one month ago and 14.8 cents more than one year ago. It has dropped $1.073 since rising to a record $6.459 on Oct. 5.
The national average price dropped for the sixth time in seven days, decreasing eight-tenths of a cent to $3.803. It has dropped 2.4 cents over the past seven days, including two-tenths of a cent Tuesday.
The national average price is 2.6 cents less than one month ago but 2.4 cents more than one year ago. It has dropped $1.213 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.
“The national average fell to its lowest level since July ahead of Labor Day, even as oil prices rose last week to the highest level since last November,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, which provides real-time gas price information from more than 150,000 stations.
“In addition, Hurricane Idalia steered well clear of significant energy infrastructure, leading to zero impact on gas prices. With the switch back to winter gasoline less than two weeks away, we could eventually see more downward pressure on gas prices.”