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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose today for the 18th time in the last 20 days, increasing three-tenths of a cent to $4.323, its highest amount since April 30, 2014 -- and its highest amount on Independence Day since 2008, when it was $4.597.
The average price has risen 7.7 cents over the past 20 days, including eight-tenths of a cent Saturday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 2.2 cents more than one week ago, 8.6 cents higher than one month ago and $1.23 greater than one year ago.
The average price has risen $1.091 since the start of the year because of a sharp increase in the oil price and increased demand due to more people driving to work, according to Jeffrey Spring, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications manager.
The Orange County average price rose for the 13th time in the last 15 days, increasing four-tenths of a cent to $4.286, its highest amount since May 6, 2014 and its highest amount on Independence Day since 2008, when it was $4.559.
It has increased 8.3 cents over the past 15 days, including 1.1 cents Saturday. The Orange County average price is 2.8 cents more than one week ago, 9.6 cents higher than one month ago and $1.211 greater than one year ago. It has risen $1.078 since the start of the year, including 68.1 cents during a run of 72 increases in 73 days that ended March 20.
The large price increases from one year ago are mainly 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.