LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose today for the 15th consecutive day, increasing a half-cent to $4.136, its highest amount since Oct. 23, 2019.
The average price has increased 11 cents over the past 15 days, including nine-tenths of a cent Friday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 5.2 cents more than one week ago, 16.4 cents higher than one month ago and $1.307 greater than one year ago.
The Orange County average price rose for the 12th consecutive day and 14th time in 15 days, increasing a half-cent to $4.103, its highest amount since Oct. 22, 2019. It has risen 10.7 cents over the past 14 days, including 1.1 cents Friday.
The Orange County average price is 4.6 cents more than one week ago, 15.1 cents higher than one month ago and $1.324 greater than one year ago.
The rising prices are the result of less supply because production is reduced due to refinery maintenance and fuel demand is increasing, according to Jeffrey Spring, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications manager.
``This is a typical pattern that we see during the spring months,'' Spring said.
The large price increases from one year ago are the result of significant decreases during the early stage of the coronavirus pandemic, when driving and demand dropped substantially because of stay-at-home orders intended to reduce the spread of the virus.
The Los Angeles County average price is 2.1 cents more than it was on May 8, 2019, while the Orange County average price is 1.6 cents more.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images