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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose one-tenth of a cent today, the 11th consecutive day it has changed by two-tenths of a cent or less.
The average price of $4.252 is a half-cent more than one week ago, 7.7 cents higher than one month ago and $1.211 greater than one year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
“We've seen at least a pause in most gas price averages due to more imported fuel, more local refineries producing gasoline at slightly higher levels and dropping oil prices,'' said Jeffrey Spring, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications manager.
The average price has risen $1.02 since the start of the year to its highest amount since Oct. 9, 2019, mainly because of a run of 59 increases in 60 days totaling 57.9 cents that ended March 21 and was caused by “higher oil prices and higher demand,'' said Marie Montgomery, a public relations specialist with the Automobile Club of Southern California.
The Orange County average price dropped two-tenths of a cent, the 11th time in 12 days it has changed by two-tenths of a cent or less. The averageprice of $4.202 is unchanged from one week ago, 7 cents more than one month ago and $1.185 higher than one year ago.
The Orange County average price has risen 99.4 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.
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