The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County rose Sunday for the 17th time in 18 days, increasing 1.6 cents to $4.346.
The average price has increased 22.3 cents over the past 18 days, including 1.4 cents Saturday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 12.2 cents more than one week ago and 21.3 cents more than one month ago, but 15.1 cents less than one year ago. It has dropped $2.027 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 declined one-tenth of a cent to $2.897. It is 2.7 cents more than one week ago and 7.8 cents more than one month ago, but 24.1 cents less than one year ago. It has dropped $2.119 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.