Soaring gasoline prices becoming unbearable for some Southern California drivers

ByAmy Powell, Marc Cota-Robles, and ABC7.com staff KABC logo
Monday, September 30, 2019
Soaring gas prices becoming unbearable for SoCal drivers
Gas prices have been increasing daily in the Los Angeles area for nearly two weeks.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Soaring gasoline prices are becoming unbearable for some drivers in Southern California.

Gas prices in downtown Los Angeles shot up nearly 5 cents overnight Sunday.

"I'm leaving. It's too pricey. $5? No, thank you," said Karen Salazar.

Many are wondering when the price hikes will end. For nearly two weeks, prices have been increasing daily in the L.A. area.

According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of gas in L.A. County is $4.11 - up 32 cents since last week and 53 cents from a month ago. In Orange County, the average is $4.09, a 52-cent jump from last month. Drivers in the Inland Empire are paying $4.02 at the pump.

The national average is $2.65.

"Hopefully the prices do go down, but if not, then I'll just have to catch the bus," said Bobby Grewal.

Analysts say the problem is diminished supply, primarily caused by maintenance issues at the Chevron and Marathon refineries in L.A. County, as well as the absence of imported fuel.