Drivers line up at a gas station in Los Angeles amid rising gasoline prices.
Los Angeles County faces soaring gas prices as the average cost of self-serve regular gasoline climbs to $4.927, the highest since June. This rise, driven by a mix of seasonal demand and supply issues, has sparked concern among residents. While prices are still lower than last year, the rise is notable, with experts suggesting continued increases as summer progresses. Motorists are advised to maintain their vehicles for better fuel efficiency amid these price hikes.
Los Angeles County is feeling the pinch at the pump, as the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline has climbed to $4.927, marking the highest level seen since June 6. This increase, a rise of four-tenths of a cent, is just one part of a broader trend unfolding across California, where the average gas price soared to $4.95—up a striking 20 cents from just a week ago.
Interestingly, even with these recent hikes, current gasoline prices are 32 cents lower than this time last year. This may provide a modicum of relief to frustrated drivers, but the increasing numbers have nonetheless triggered a wave of concern among residents.
Experts from the American Automobile Association (AAA) are pointing to a mix of factors driving these price increases. They have highlighted a few key culprits:
In fact, prices have risen on 14 out of the last 15 days, culminating in a total increase of 27.8 cents. Just this past week alone, consumers witnessed a spike of 16.3 cents, and in the past month, prices have surged by 19 cents. Despite all this fluctuation, prices remain 35.7 cents lower than they were last year.
Looking over at Orange County, motorists are feeling the pressure as well. The average gas price there has stabilized at $4.889, the highest since June 3. This reflects a rise of 28.6 cents over a continuous ten-day stretch. When comparing week-over-week, drivers are now paying 15.2 cents more, and prices are 19.4 cents higher than just a month ago. However, buyers can take a bit of comfort, as the current rates are still 37 cents lower than they were a year ago.
On a national scale, the landscape paints a slightly different picture. The average price for gasoline has dipped by six-tenths of a cent to sit at $3.262, even though it had seen rises during 11 of the previous 12 days. Despite this decline, the national average is still up by 10.3 cents compared to last week and a bit higher than last month, yet it’s 32 cents lower than this time last year. Notably, the national average price has seen a significant drop of $1.754 from its peak of $5.016 on June 14, 2022.
As gas prices continue to rise, drivers are encouraged to keep their vehicles well-maintained to maximize fuel efficiency and to shop around for the best deals at the pump. With the ongoing refinery woes, including an explosion in Northern California affecting some facilities, supplies have tightened state-wide.
Market analysts are keeping a close watch on the situation, as expectations grow that gas prices might surge even further in California in the weeks ahead. While the warm summer sun calls you to the open road, it’s best to remain vigilant about these climbing gas prices. Here’s hoping for some breathing room at the pumps soon!
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