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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose two-tenths of a cent today, the eighth consecutive day it has changed by two-tenths of a cent or less.
The average price of $4.248 is three-tenths of a cent more than one week ago, 7.8 cents higher than one month ago and $1.223 greater than one year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
“Gas prices are hovering at about the same levels as last week throughout Southern California as gasoline imports are entering the market and increasing fuel supply,'' said Marie Montgomery, a public relations specialist with the Automobile Club of Southern California.
“With the highest gas prices in the country, California will probably continue to attract gasoline imports, which should help to lower prices eventually, provided there are no local refinery incidents."
The average price has risen $1.016 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 primary reasons for the sharp price increase since the start of the year are “higher oil prices and higher demand as the economy reopens and more people began returning to work and travel,'' Montgomery told City News Service.
The Orange County average price rose two-tenths of a cent, the eighth time in nine days it has changed by two-tenths of a cent or less. The average price of $4.204 is seven-tenths of a cent more than one week ago, 7.4 cents higher than one month ago and $1.215 greater than one year ago.
The Orange County average price has risen 99.6 cents since the startof the year to its highest amount since Oct. 11, 2019, 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.
Copyright 2021, City News Service, Inc.