LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose today to its highest amount since July 23, 2015, spiking six cents to $4.21.
The average price has increased 16 consecutive days, rising 46.6 cents, including 3.3 cents on Tuesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 37.4 cents higher than one week ago, 54.9 cents higher than one month ago and 36.3 cents greater than one year ago.
The Orange County average price also rose to its highest amount since July 23, 2015, increasing 6 cents to $4.184. It has risen 54.8 cents since Sept. 17, including 3 cents Tuesday.
The Orange County average price is 38 cents more than one week ago, 55.3 cents higher than one month ago and 37.6 cents greater than one year ago.
The rising prices are the result of diminished supply primarily caused by unplanned maintenance issues at the Chevron and Marathon refineries in Los Angeles County and the absence of imported gasoline, according to Jeffrey Spring, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications manager.
The lack of imports means area refineries do not have some ingredients needed to make the summer blend of gasoline, contributing to the diminished supply, said Marie Montgomery, a public relations specialist with the Automobile Club of Southern California.
Stations in most areas of Southern California are required to continue selling summer blend gasoline until Oct. 31.
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