The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County rose to its highest amount of 2021 Saturday, increasing four-tenths of a cent to $4.323.
The average price is eight-tenths of a cent more than one week ago, seven-tenths of a cent higher than one month ago and $1.18 greater than one year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It has risen $1.14 since the start of the year.
The previous 2021 high was $4.322 set Sept. 6, Labor Day. The overall record is $4.688 set on Oct. 8, 2012.
Refinery problems related to the Sept. 17 earthquake centered in Carson continue to keep Southern California gas prices at a high level at a time when prices customarily decline because of decreased demand following the end of the summer vacation driving season, according to Jeffrey Spring, the Automobile Club of Southern California’s corporate communications manager.