LA Gas Prices Hit $3 Mark
CAMARILLO (CBSLA.com/AP) — The average prices of a gallon of self-serve regular gas in Los Angeles County has topped $3 for the first time since December.
On Sunday, the county recorded its largest daily increase since April 12, rising 5.7 cents to $3.04, AAA said.
"I try and not drive too much, but you have to drive . . . we live in LA!" said driver Michael Collins.
Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg said that the rise follows months of crashing prices and is still $1.08 per gallon less than a year ago. She attributed the rise to an increase in crude oil prices in mid-January and labor strikes at several refineries.
In Southern California, prices also rose following an explosion at ExxonMobil's Torrance refinery. The explosion caused a partial shutdown, reducing supply.
Labor strikes and an increase in crude oil prices also attributed to the rise.
Los Angeles has the highest-priced gas in the lower 48 cities surveyed, at $2.91.
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