Banning Gas Prices Hit New High Ahead of Holiday Weekend

BANNING, CA - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in the Inland Empire rose Friday to its highest amount since Jan. 16, 2016, increasing seven-tenths of a cent to $2.919.

The average price has risen 17 consecutive days, increasing 11.9 cents, including one-tenth of a cent on Thursday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

The average price is 5.1 cents more than one week ago, 10.8 cents higher than one month ago and 44.9 cents greater than one year ago.

The streak of increases is the longest since a 20-day streak from Dec 18, 2015, to Jan. 6, 2016.

"Chevron is reportedly performing unplanned maintenance at its refineries in El Segundo and Richmond, which has increased upward pressure on prices," said Jeffrey Spring, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications manager.

"However, wholesale gasoline prices have fallen slightly this week after reaching a 52-week high point on Friday, so it's unclear how much higher local pump prices will rise at the moment."

- City News Service