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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose a half-cent today after changing by two-tenths of a cent or less for 12 consecutive days.
The average price of $4.255 is seven-tenths of a cent more than one week ago, 7.2 cents higher than one month ago and $1.203 greater than one year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
The average price has risen $1.023 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 rose 1.1 cents after changing by two- tenths of a cent or less 12 of the previous 13 days. The average price of $4.214 is 1.1 cents more than one week ago, 7.6 cents higher than one month ago and $1.183 greater than one year ago.
The Orange County average price has risen $1.006 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.