The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County rose Saturday to its highest amount since Dec. 1, increasing 2.3 cents to $4.755.
The average price has risen eight consecutive days, increasing 8.8 cents, including eight-tenths of a cent Friday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. The increases last Saturday and Monday were both one-tenth of a cent.
The increases follow a run of six decreases in seven days totaling 2.4 cents.
The average price is 8.7 cents more than week ago, 23 cents higher than one month ago but 3.3 cents less than one year ago. It has dropped $1.618 since rising to a record $6.373 on Oct. 5, 2022.
The national average price rose seven-tenths of a cent to $3.338, the sixth consecutive increase following a run of eight decreases in nine days totaling 2.2 cents. It has risen 7.6 cents over the past six days, including 1.2 cents on Friday.
The national average price is 7.4 cents more than one week ago and 18.4 cents higher than one month ago but 3.6 cents less than one year ago. It has dropped $1.678 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.
“We’re entering spring break season, and historically, March and April bring higher gas prices as demand rises,” said Aixa Diaz, an AAA media relations manager. “With milder temperatures come more road trips, and this time of year tends to be a precursor to the summer driving season.”