LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose today for the 36th time in 38 days, increasing four-tenths of a cent to $3.072, its highest amount since April 2.
The average price has increased 19.7 cents over the past 38 days, including a half-cent on Wednesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It rose 14 consecutive days, dropped one-tenth of a cent June 2 and June 8 and has risen each of the past 17 days.
The average price is 3.1 cents more than a week ago and 14.9 cents higher than a month ago but 65.2 cents less than one year ago. It has decreased 54.3 cents since the start of the year.
The Orange County average price rose for the 48th time in 51 days, increasing a half-cent to $3.057, its highest amount since April 1. It has risen 28.7 cents over the past 51 days, including seven-tenths of a cent on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Orange County average price is 4 cents more than one week ago and 16.4 cents higher than one month ago but 61.8 cents less than one year ago. It has dropped 48.8 cents since the start of the year.
The continuing rising prices are the result of increased demand and higher crude oil prices, according to Marie Montgomery, a public relations specialist with the Automobile Club of Southern California.
The crude oil price and supply and demand are the most important factors in the gas price. Crude oil prices have also been increasing recently because of increased demand.
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