Up, Up, Up Again: Gas Prices Rise For 33rd Time In 34 Days In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County rose today for the 33rd time in 34 days, increasing six-tenths of a cent to $2.832.

The average price has risen 49.2 cents over the past 34 days, including 1.2 cents on Tuesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 8.4 cents higher than one week ago and 38.5 cents greater than one month ago.

However, the average price is 40.6 cents less than one year ago because it fell 72.3 cents during a stretch of 49 decreases in 50 days that immediately preceded the run of rising prices.

The average price dropped to its lowest amount since April 7, 2009, before the increases began on Feb. 26.

The average price rose 10 consecutive days, was unchanged March 7 and resumed increasing the following day.

The increasing pump prices are the result of higher crude oil prices stemming from reduced domestic production caused by lower profitability, according to Jeffrey Spring, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications manager.

The price of crude oil accounts for two-thirds to three-quarters of the price of a gallon of gasoline, according to Tupper Hull, vice president, strategic communications, of the Western States Petroleum Association, a trade association representing major oil companies in five Western states.

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--City News Service/File photo