The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County rose Saturday for the 16th time in 17 days, increasing 1.4 cents to $4.33.
The average price has increased 20.7 cents over the past 17 days, including 1.3 cents Friday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 12.8 cents more than one week ago and 19.3 cents more than one month ago, but 14.4 cents less than one year ago. It has dropped $2.043 since rising to a record $6.373 on Oct. 5, 2022.
“April 1 is the deadline by which Southern California gas stations have to start selling summer-blend gasoline to meet air quality requirements, but refineries start producing and shipping summer blend at the end of January to make sure they meet that deadline,” Doug Shupe, the Automobile Club of Southern California’s corporate communications manager, said in a statement released Thursday.
“Summer-blend gasoline is more expensive to produce, which increases prices at the pump. Additionally, a refinery closure in Northern California is currently underway, which will reduce gas production capacity statewide and is also expected to increase gas prices,” he added.
The national average price dropped two-tenths of a cent to $2.898, after five consecutive increases. It is 2.8 cents more than one week ago and 7.9 cents more than one month ago, but 24.3 cents less than one year ago. It has dropped $2.118 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.