The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County recorded its largest increase since the record 18.1-cent increase Oct. 5, 2012, rising 16.3 cents to $6.108, its highest amount since July 7.
The average price has risen 10 consecutive days, increasing 79.9 cents, including 14.2 cents Wednesday and 10.3 cents Tuesday, according to figures from the AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. It is 66.7 cents more than one week ago, 94.5 cents higher than one month ago and $1.791 greater than one year ago.
The current run of increases has pushed the average price within 22.2 cents of the record high of $6.33 set June 14. The average price dropped to $5.128 Sept. 2, $1.202 less than the record high, then began increasing.
“A string of planned and unplanned refinery maintenance issues has severely tightened fuel supply in California,” said Doug Shupe, the Automobile Club of Southern California’s corporate communications manager. “West Coast fuel inventories are at the lowest level in about a decade according to Energy Information Administration.
“Until the refineries are fully operational again, supply is going to be tight and will cause pump prices to be volatile.”
There may be “some relief” in November when stations are again allowed to sell winter-blend gas which is cheaper to produce, Shupe told City News Service.
The 2012 figure included stations in San Bernardino County.
The national average price rose for the ninth consecutive day following a 98-day streak of decreases totaling $1.342, increasing 1.7 cents to $3.782. It has risen 10.8 cents over the past nine days, including 1.8 cents Wednesday.
The national average price is 9.8 cents more than one week ago and 59.4 cents higher than one year ago but 6.8 cents less than one month ago.
The national average price is $1.234 less than the record $5.016 set June 14.