The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County recorded its largest increase since Feb. 25 Friday, rising 2.2 cents to $5.919.
The average price has risen 16 consecutive days, increasing 14.7 cents, including six-tenths of a cent Thursday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. The streak follows a run of 28 decreases in 30 days totaling 29.6 cents.
The average price is 6.7 cents more than one week ago, 8.7 cents higher than one month ago and $1.753 greater than one year ago. It is 15.1 cents less than the record high of $6.07 set March 28.
The Orange County average price recorded its largest increase since Feb. 2, rising 3.2 cents to $5.874. It has risen 15 of the past 16 days, increasing 16.3 cents, including six-tenths of a cent Thursday.
The Orange County average price is 7.3 cents more than one week ago, 8.5 cents higher than one month ago and $1.748 higher than one year ago. It is 14.5 cents lower than the record high of $6.029 set March 29.
The national average price rose 1.4 cents Friday to a record $4.432, erasing the previous record set Thursday .
“The Phillips 66 Wilmington refinery has been undergoing planned maintenance for nearly a month, keeping upward pressure on local prices, according to Oil Price Information Service,” said Doug Shupe, the Automobile Club of Southern California’s corporate communications manager.
“Another phenomenon that has occurred during this latest price run-up is that premium gasoline has become even more expensive compared to regular grade gasoline. The Auto Club’s Automotive Research Center has found that if your vehicle’s manual just recommends premium fuel and does not require it, the vehicle will operate safely and efficiently with the much less expensive regular gas.”
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