LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose today for the 24th time in the past 25 days, increasing 1.7 cents to $3.426, its highest amount since March 15.
The average price has risen 19.5 cents over the past 25 days, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 7.6 cents more than one week ago and 21.4 cents higher than one month ago, but 17.3 cents less than one year ago.
The Orange County average price rose for the 22nd consecutive day to its highest amount since March 12, increasing two cents to $3.411. It has risen 19.3 cents over the past 22 days.
The Orange County average price is 7.5 cents more than one week ago and 21.6 cents higher than a month ago, but 13.5 cents less than one year ago.
“Gas prices are rising in anticipation of switching to the summer blend of gasoline'' which costs more to produce, Marie Montgomery, a public relations specialist with the Automobile Club of Southern California told City News Service.
“Although that switch is not required to happen until April 1 in most parts of Southern California, in reality the pipeline schedule has the refineries start shipping summer blend in early February. OPIS and other oil industry analysts expect price increases to continue into February as the switchover happens.''
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