Average Gas Price Rises For 20th Time In 21 Days In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County rose Friday for the 20th time in 21 days, increasing 4.1 cents to $5.57, its highest amount since July 31.

The average price has risen 34.8 cents over the past 21 days, including 17.7 cents over the past four days, according to figures from the AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. It is 18.9 cents more than one week ago, 27.7 cents higher than one month ago and $1.227 greater than one year ago.

The average price is 80.3 cents less than the record $6.373 set June 15.

"Oil Price Information Service reports that several local refineries are undergoing unplanned maintenance as fuel inventories are at their lowest levels in a decade, which caused Los Angeles wholesale gas prices to rise sharply this week," said Doug Shupe, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications and programs manager.

The average price rose 13 consecutive days, dropped three-tenths of a cent last Friday and resumed increasing Saturday.

The national average price rose for the third consecutive day following a 98-day streak of decreases totaling $1.342, increasing a half-cent to $3.689. It is three-tenths of a cent less than one week ago and 20.3 cents lower than one month ago, but 50 cents more than one year ago.

The national average price is $1.327 less than the record $5.016 set June 14.

— City News Service