LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose today for the 16th consecutive day, increasing nine-tenths of a cent to $4.145, its highest amount since Oct. 22, 2019.
The average price has increased 11.9 cents over the past 16 days, including a half-cent Saturday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 5.6 cents more than one week ago, 17.3 cents higher than one month ago and $1.305 greater than one year ago.
The average price has risen 91.3 cents 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 Orange County average price rose for the 13th consecutive day and 15th time in 16 days, increasing four-tenths of a cent to $4.107, its highest amount since Oct. 22, 2019. It has risen 11.1 cents over the past 16 days, including a half-cent Saturday.
The Orange County average price is 4.7 cents more than one week ago, 14.6 cents higher than one month ago and $1.314 greater than one year ago. It has risen 89.9 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 rising prices are the result of less supply because production is reduced due to refinery maintenance and fuel demand is increasing, according to Jeffrey Spring, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications manager.
"This is a typical pattern that we see during the spring months,'' Spring said.
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.
The Los Angeles County average price is 4.3 cents more than it was on May 9, 2019, while the Orange County average price is 3 cents more.