News Summary

Gas prices are on the rise in Los Angeles County, with the average cost for regular gasoline hitting $4.927 per gallon, marking the highest amount since June. California’s average is now at $4.95, a notable 20-cent increase in just a week. Despite current prices being 32 cents lower than last year, experts attribute the surge to a mix of transitioning to summer gasoline blends, increased demand, and refinery shortages. Motorists are advised to be cautious as prices may continue to climb in the weeks ahead.

Gas Prices on the Rise in Los Angeles County and Beyond

Los Angeles County is feeling the pinch at the pump! The average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline has made a little leap, now sitting at a staggering $4.927. This marks the highest price we’ve seen since June 6. But Los Angeles is not alone; motorists across California are feeling the heat too, with the average state price climbing to $4.95—that’s a 20-cent increase in just a week.

Yearly Comparison

Interestingly, as gas prices rise, motorists might find a silver lining—current gasoline prices are actually 32 cents lower than they were at this time last year. So, while it seems like we’re paying more at the moment, it’s still a bit less painful than in years gone by.

What’s Behind the Surge?

So what’s driving these rising gas prices? Experts from the American Automobile Association (AAA) point to a mix of factors causing this uptick. As the summer season approaches, California is transitioning to summer blend gasoline, which tends to add an extra 15 to 20 cents per gallon. At the same time, the demand for gas is rising as more folks jump in their cars for longer road trips!

To add to this, we are also facing some shortages at refineries. Just recently, an explosion at a refinery in Northern California has seriously constrained the supply, and it’s reported that three out of five refineries in that region are currently offline. All of these factors together contribute to the rising prices. Over the past two weeks, the average price has increased 27.8 cents, with the last seven days alone seeing a hike of 16.3 cents.

What’s the Situation in Orange County?

Heading over to Orange County, drivers there are also feeling the crunch. The average gas price is currently $4.889, which has remained unchanged recently. However, it has climbed by 28.6 cents over the past ten days, making it the highest average since June 3. Compared to last week, Orange County prices have jumped 15.2 cents, and they’re up 19.4 cents from a month ago, yet still 37 cents lower than last year.

National Trends

On a national scale, things look a bit different. Gas prices have seen a slight decrease, dropping by six-tenths of a cent to an average of $3.262. Despite this small dip, the national average is still 10.3 cents higher than the previous week and 15.5 cents above where it was a month ago. However, when compared to last year, it is 32 cents lower overall, which makes it a bit easier to swallow.

The Outlook Ahead

Observers from the gas market indicate that as supplies tighten further, prices could experience significant increases, especially in California over the coming weeks. Motorists are encouraged to keep their vehicles well-maintained and shop around to find the best prices available.

Community Sentiments

It’s clear that the road ahead may be bumpy for drivers in Los Angeles County and California at large. So buckle up, and maybe think of carpooling or planning that road trip with the family to make the most of those rising costs!