The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County rose Sunday for the 18th time in 20 days, increasing a half-cent to $4.085, its highest amount since Oct. 22, 2019.
The average price has increased 11.9 cents over the past 20 days, including a half-cent Saturday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It rose 15 consecutive days, dropped one-tenth of a cent Wednesday, rose 1.1 cents Thursday and decreased two-tenths of a cent Friday.
The average price is 2.6 cents higher than one week ago, 15.5 cents more than one month ago and $1.352 greater than one year ago. It has risen 90.9 cents since the start of the year, mainly because of a run of 82 increases in 84 days totaling 70.4 cents that ended March 30.
The large price increase from one year ago is the result of a significant decrease during the early stage of the coronavirus pandemic, when driving and demand dropped substantially because of stay-at-home orders intended to reduce the spread of the virus.