Rise In Gas Prices Continues Into Last Week Of 2015
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Gas prices are headed higher in Southern California as we head into 2016.
The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose Monday for the 11th consecutive day,
increasing 1 cent to $3.036, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
The average price has increased 28.6 cents over the past 11 days, including 2.2 cents on Sunday, analysts said.
The jump comes after nearly two weeks of decreases totaling 5.2 cents that dropped that average price to its lowest amount since Feb. 11.
The average price is 16.9 cents more than one week ago, 24.5 cents higher than one month ago and 34.7 cents greater than one year ago.
Meanwhile in Orange County, the average price rose for the 12th consecutive day Monday, increasing seven-tenths of a cent to $3.034.
Automobile Club of Southern California spokesman Jeffrey Spring says the rising prices stem from unplanned maintenance at several refineries that have reduced supply.
Drivers across the Southland don't think it's a coincidence that prices are going up just in time for the hoilidays - when more people are filling up and hitting the road.
"The prices always fluctuate over greater times of travel, so it does seem like a strange coincidence," Mark Gonzalez said.
Triple-A says gas prices have risen because of the scarce supply of refined gasoline in Southern California.
(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)