Gas Prices Surge in Los Angeles County

News Summary

Gas prices in Los Angeles County have surged to an average of $4.927 per gallon, marking the highest level since early June. California’s statewide average has also increased to $4.95. Experts attribute this rise to the transition to summer blend gasoline and refinery supply shortages. Although prices are up, they are still lower compared to the previous year. The situation reflects a trend where gas prices are climbing across the state, causing concern among drivers as they gear up for summer travel.

Gas Prices on the Rise in Los Angeles County!

Los Angeles County is feeling the pinch at the pump as gas prices have surged once again. With the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline now sitting at $4.927, it’s the highest we’ve seen since early June. That’s a slight uptick of four-tenths of a cent from the previous day!

A Statewide Perspective

If you think it’s just a local issue, think again! The average price for gasoline across all of California has also experienced a noticeable spike, reaching $4.95, up a significant 20 cents from just a week ago. Despite the recent increase, it’s a silver lining that prices are still 32 cents lower compared to this time last year. A little bit of good news for weary drivers!

Why the Increase?

So, what’s driving this sudden rise in gas prices? According to experts, it’s a combination of several factors that are coming into play. One major aspect is the transition to summer blend gasoline, which typically costs a bit more—by an estimated 15 to 20 cents per gallon. As we approach summer, many of us are gearing up for those long road trips, leading to increased demand at the pumps.

Moreover, we’re facing some hiccups at refineries. Recent incidents, including an explosion in Northern California, have caused significant supply shortages. Currently, three out of five refineries in Northern California are offline for various reasons, impacting gas availability throughout the entire state.

Trends Over Time

Gas prices have been steadily climbing, having increased on 14 of the past 15 days. In just over a week, the price has jumped by 16.3 cents, and in the past month alone, we’ve seen a rise of 19 cents. Even though we’re currently facing higher prices, it’s worth noting that they’re still 35.7 cents lower than they were at this time last year, providing a little comfort during this turbulent time.

Orange County Stats

$4.889, marking the highest rate since June 3rd. Over the past week, prices have seen an increase of 15.2 cents, and over the past month, they’re up by 19.4 cents. In a comparison reflecting a yearly trend, Orange County prices are still 37 cents lower than last year, much to the relief of local drivers.

National Overview and Important Advice

$3.262. However, that figure is still 10.3 cents higher than last week and 15.5 cents higher than a month ago. It’s reassuring to note that the national price has also dropped significantly, down $1.754 since it hit a record high of $5.016 last June.

With all these changes, experts suggest that motorists should take some preventive measures, such as maintaining their vehicles to ensure optimal performance and shopping around to find the best gas prices in their area. While drivers in Los Angeles and across California may feel resigned to the higher costs, staying informed and being proactive can help lessen the burden.

Looking Ahead

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Stacker: Gas Prices Changes in Los Angeles
• Wikipedia: Gasoline
• ABC7: Gas Prices Near $5
• Google Search: Gas Prices California
• Daily News: Gas Prices Soar
• Google Scholar: Gas Prices California
• SFGate: Why California Gas Prices Skyrocketed
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gas Price Trends
• Newsweek: Gas Prices Spiking
• Google News: California Gas Price News