Streak of rising gasoline prices ends at 13 Days in L.A.

April 17, 2014

Average price had increased 22.8 cents during the streak to $4.305 per gallon
However, OC average rises for the 16th consecutive day to $4.289

L.A.'s average gas price did not go up for the first time since

L.A.’s average gas price did not go up for the first time since April 4.

LOS ANGELES (CNS) – The streak of increases to the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County ended today at 13 days with a decrease of two-tenths of a cent to $4.303.

The average price increased 22.8 cents during the streak, including seven-tenths of a cent on Wednesday, to its highest amount since March 3, 2013, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

Despite today’s small decrease, the average price is 15.2 cents more than one week ago, 25.9 cents higher than one month ago and 30.3 cents above what it was one year ago.

The Orange County average price rose for the 16th consecutive day, increasing 1.3 cents to $4.289, its highest amount since March 4, 2013.

An increase of one-tenth of a cent extended the streak of rising prices in Orange County to 18 days. The average price of $4.298 is the highest since March 2, 2013 and 16.4 cents more than one week ago, 26.6 cents higher than one month ago and 33.6 cents above what it was one year ago.

The Orange County average price has increased 24.8 cents over the previous 18 days, including eight-tenths of a cent on Wednesday.

The increasing prices are the result of reduced supply caused by two refineries being at least partly offline for longer than expected for maintenance, a 35 percent increase in gasoline exports, and an increase in ethanol costs due to difficulties in shipping it from outside California, according to Marie Montgomery of the Automobile Club of Southern California.

Ethanol is used as an additive in California’s summertime blend of gasoline.