Average LA County Gas Price Rises to Highest Amount Since Dec. 14

LOS ANGELES COUNTY -- The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose today for the ninth time in 10 days, increasing a half-cent to $4.558, its highest amount since Dec. 14.

The average price has risen 5.6 cents over the past 10 days, including nine-tenths of a cent Thursday and 2 cents Wednesday, its largest increase since Oct. 4, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

The average price is 4.4 cents more than one week ago and 10.8 cents higher than one month ago, but 10.8 cents less than one year ago.

The average price has dropped $1.936 since rising to a record $6.494 on Oct. 5.

``Southern California's shift to producing summer-blend gasoline, annual refinery maintenance that can affect fuel supply, increasing oil prices worldwide and increased gas demand in the spring are the reasons that prices are likely to rise in coming weeks,'' Automobile Club of Southern California spokesman Doug Shupe said.

The national average price rose for the 16th consecutive day following a five-day streak of decreases, increasing seven-tenths of a cent to $3.509. It has risen 24.2 cents over the past 16 days, including 2.1 cents Thursday, after dropping 2.3 cents during the five-day streak of decreases.

The national average price is 11.7 cents more than one week ago, 40.5 cents higher than one month ago and 16.1 cents greater than one year ago. It has dropped $1.507 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14.

-- City News Service