Gas prices in Southern California are reaching astronomical levels, with the cost of a gallon of gas approaching $6. In Los Angeles County, the average price of regular gasoline rose 4.8 cents to $5.915. This comes just a day after a 13.6 cent increase. In fact, the average price of gasoline has increased 52-fold over the past 57 days, for a total increase of 94.3 cents.
In Orange County, however, the average gasoline price rose 4.2 cents to $5,912. This came after an increase of 16.7 cents, making it the fiftieth price increase in the last 56 days. Gas prices in Orange County are now 41.5 cents higher than a week ago, 67.3 cents higher than a month ago and 52.1 cents higher than a year ago. However, it is down 54.7 cents from its all-time high of $6.459 on October 5.
In Riverside County, gas prices also rose 5.4 cents to $5.746. In just two days, prices have risen by 16.9 cents. This is the fifty-second price increase in the last 58 days, with a total increase of 84.9 cents. Compared to the previous week, gas prices in Riverside County increased 35.9 cents.
These high gasoline prices are attributed to rising oil prices. Andrew Gross, national public relations manager at AAA, said that “oil costs are putting upward pressure on gasoline prices.” However, the rise in gasoline prices is being tempered by a decline in demand. As the days become shorter and the weather becomes less pleasant, fuel consumption typically decreases. Nevertheless, high oil costs are preventing the usual decline in pump prices for the time being.
By comparison, the national average price of gasoline rose just half a cent to $3,881. This is the eleventh consecutive increase in gasoline prices. However, it is still 4.9 cents higher than a week ago.
