LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose two-tenths of a cent for the second consecutive day to $4.241 today.
The average price has risen 41 of the past 44 days, increasing 21.5 cents to its highest amount since Oct. 10, 2019, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 1.8 cents more than one week ago, 11.9 cents higher than one month ago and $1.267 greater than one year ago.
The average price has risen $1.009 since the start of the year, mainly because of a run of 59 increases in 60 days totaling 57.9 cents that ended March 21.
The Orange County average price rose three-tenths of a cent to $4.195, its highest amount since Oct. 14, 2019. It has increased 12 of the past 13 days, rising 5.6 cents, including two-tenths of a cent Saturday.
The Orange County average price is 2 cents more than one week ago, 10.8 cents higher than one month ago and $1.254 greater than one year ago. It has risen 98.7 cents since the start of the year, mainly because of a run of 72 increases in 73 days totaling 68.1 cents that ended March 20.
The large price increases from one year ago are the result of significant decreases during the early stage of the coronavirus pandemic, when driving and demand dropped substantially because of stay-at-home orders intended to reduce the spread of the virus.
``Relaxation of pandemic restrictions is the biggest factor continuing to drive up prices,'' said Jeffrey Spring, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications manager.
``However, according to the latest California Energy Commission report, refineries are increasing both their production and inventories of California-blend gasoline, so the increases may soon be at an end.''
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images