News Summary
Los Angeles County faces soaring gas prices as the average cost of self-serve regular gasoline climbs to $4.927, the highest since June. This rise, driven by a mix of seasonal demand and supply issues, has sparked concern among residents. While prices are still lower than last year, the rise is notable, with experts suggesting continued increases as summer progresses. Motorists are advised to maintain their vehicles for better fuel efficiency amid these price hikes.
Los Angeles County Gas Prices Hit New Highs Amid Supply Woes
Los Angeles County is feeling the pinch at the pump, as the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline has climbed to $4.927, marking the highest level seen since June 6. This increase, a rise of four-tenths of a cent, is just one part of a broader trend unfolding across California, where the average gas price soared to $4.95—up a striking 20 cents from just a week ago.
Year-Over-Year Comparison
Interestingly, even with these recent hikes, current gasoline prices are 32 cents lower than this time last year. This may provide a modicum of relief to frustrated drivers, but the increasing numbers have nonetheless triggered a wave of concern among residents.
What’s Behind the Surge?
Experts from the American Automobile Association (AAA) are pointing to a mix of factors driving these price increases. They have highlighted a few key culprits:
- Transitioning to summer blend gasoline: These seasonal mixes typically add 15 to 20 cents per gallon to the cost.
- Increased demand: With summer in full swing, more families are hitting the road for exciting vacations.
- Supply shortages: Refinery issues, including recent accidents, are also constraining the available gas supply.
In fact, prices have risen on 14 out of the last 15 days, culminating in a total increase of 27.8 cents. Just this past week alone, consumers witnessed a spike of 16.3 cents, and in the past month, prices have surged by 19 cents. Despite all this fluctuation, prices remain 35.7 cents lower than they were last year.
Regional Focus: Orange County
Looking over at Orange County, motorists are feeling the pressure as well. The average gas price there has stabilized at $4.889, the highest since June 3. This reflects a rise of 28.6 cents over a continuous ten-day stretch. When comparing week-over-week, drivers are now paying 15.2 cents more, and prices are 19.4 cents higher than just a month ago. However, buyers can take a bit of comfort, as the current rates are still 37 cents lower than they were a year ago.
National Averages and Trends
On a national scale, the landscape paints a slightly different picture. The average price for gasoline has dipped by six-tenths of a cent to sit at $3.262, even though it had seen rises during 11 of the previous 12 days. Despite this decline, the national average is still up by 10.3 cents compared to last week and a bit higher than last month, yet it’s 32 cents lower than this time last year. Notably, the national average price has seen a significant drop of $1.754 from its peak of $5.016 on June 14, 2022.
What Motorists Can Do
As gas prices continue to rise, drivers are encouraged to keep their vehicles well-maintained to maximize fuel efficiency and to shop around for the best deals at the pump. With the ongoing refinery woes, including an explosion in Northern California affecting some facilities, supplies have tightened state-wide.
The Road Ahead
Market analysts are keeping a close watch on the situation, as expectations grow that gas prices might surge even further in California in the weeks ahead. While the warm summer sun calls you to the open road, it’s best to remain vigilant about these climbing gas prices. Here’s hoping for some breathing room at the pumps soon!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Stacker: How Gas Prices Have Changed in Los Angeles Last Week
- ABC7: Gas Prices in California Near $5 a Gallon
- LAist: Newsom Orders Release of Winter Blend Gas
- SFGate: Why California Gas Prices Skyrocketed
- Newsweek: Gas Prices Spiking in California
- Wikipedia: Gasoline
- Google Search: California gas prices
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gasoline
- Google News: California gas prices
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
