The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose Saturday for the 30th time in 31 days, increasing two-tenths of a cent to $4.694, its highest amount since Dec. 2.
The average price is 4.4 cents more than one week ago and 33.7 cents more than one month ago, but 6.3 cents less than one year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It has dropped $1.80 since rising to a record $6.494 on Oct. 5, 2022.
The Orange County average price rose for the 31st consecutive day, increasing three-tenths of a cent to $4.636, its highest amount since Dec. 1. It is 4.3 cents more than one week ago and 39.3 cents more than one month ago, but 8.3 cents less than one year ago. It has dropped $1.823 since rising to a record $6.459 on Oct. 5, 2022.
California gas prices are rising for several reasons, according to Kandace Redd, the Automobile Club of Southern California’s senior public affairs specialist.
“The closures of the Valero Energy refinery in Benicia and Phillips 66 in Los Angeles have reduced refinery capacity, tightening fuel supplies statewide,” Redd said in a statement released Thursday. “Seasonal refinery maintenance is also temporarily limiting gasoline production, with refineries such as PBF in Torrance undergoing planned work.”
The national average price remained unchanged at $2.982. It is 4.7 cents more than one week ago and 10.3 cents more than one month ago, but 13.2 cents less than one year ago. The national average price has dropped $2.034 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.