According to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service, the average price has increased 47.2 cents during the 22-day streak, the longest since a 27-day-long period of price increases from Feb. 7 to March 4.
The average price for a gallon of regular gas in the Los Angeles and Long Beach area is now $4.22 per gallon, which is up 53 cents since last month. In Orange County, drivers are paying $4.21 a gallon. In the Inland Empire, the average is $4.18. In Ventura County, the average hovered near $4.21.
Analysts say the increase is the result of low levels of production in Southern California due to refinery maintenance.
Nevertheless, motorists remain hopeful. Jeffrey Spring of the Automobile Club of Southern California expects the price hikes to decrease.
"Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices have been relatively stable for the past two weeks and if that continues, we should expect pump prices to stop climbing soon," Spring said.
CNS contributed to this report.
