The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose Friday for the 42nd time in 47 days, increasing 1.4 cents to $5.455, its highest amount since Nov. 16.
The average price has increased 48.3 cents over the past 47 days, including 1.1 cents Thursday, 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 last Friday and has risen six of the past seven days.
The average price is 8.3 cents more than one week ago, 29.3 cents higher than one month ago and 11.3 cents above what it was one year ago. It has dropped $1.039 since rising to a record $6.494 on Oct. 5.
The Orange County average price rose for the 40th time in 46 days, increasing 1.5 cents to $5.41, its highest amount since Nov. 12. It has risen 50.9 cents over the past 46 days, including nine-tenths of a cent Thursday.
The Orange County average price is 9.4 cents more than one week ago, 30.6 cents higher than one month ago and 12 cents more than one year ago. It has dropped $1.049 since rising to a record $6.459 on Oct. 5.
“Oil Price Information Service reports that there have been a couple of unplanned refinery flaring incidents this week in Southern California, indicating mechanical problems that may be affecting gasoline production,” said Doug Shupe, the Automobile Club of Southern California’s corporate communications manager.
“Oil prices have also spiked in the past week to their highest levels since November of last year, primarily because of continued OPEC production cuts affecting the market.”
The national average price rose a half-cent to $3.808, one day after a run of six decreases in seven days totaling 2.4 cents ended when it was unchanged. It is 1 cent less than one week ago and 1.6 cents lower than one month ago but 5.7 cents more than one year ago.
The national average price has dropped $1.208 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.