Average gas price in Los Angeles County rises to record high

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose seven-tenths of a cent to a record $6.466 Monday, topping the previous high of $6.462 set June 14.

The average price has risen 31 consecutive days, increasing $1.22, including 1 cent Sunday and 15.3 cents Thursday, the largest daily increase since the record 19.2-cent hike on Oct. 5, 2012, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

The increases Sunday and Monday are the smallest since a half-cent increase Sept. 19.

The average price is 62.6 cents more than one week ago, $1.202 higher than one month ago and $2.05 greater than one year ago.

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose seven-tenths of a cent to a record $6.466 Monday, topping the previous high of $6.462 set June 14.

The streak of increases follows a run of 78 decreases in 80 days totaling $1.216 that began June 15, one day after the average price rose to a record $6.462.

The Orange County average price rose one-tenth of a cent to $6.423, one day after dropping seven-tenths of a cent. It rose 4.3 cents Saturday to a record $6.429, topping the previous high of $6.41 set June 12.

Sunday's decrease ended a 12-day streak of increases totaling $1.033, including a 15.9-cent increase Thursday, the largest daily increase since the record 19.5-cent hike on Oct. 5, 2012.

The Orange County average price is 59.2 cents more than one week ago, $1.23 higher than one month ago, and $2.044 greater than one year ago.

The rising prices are the result of insufficient supply to meet demand caused in part by reduced production of gasoline from refineries undergoing maintenance, Marie Montgomery, a public relations specialist with the Automobile Club of Southern California, told City News Service.

Californians who qualify for the state's gas price relief program should start to see their payments in the next few weeks.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked refineries to switch to their winter blend gas earlier than normal. The blend is typically cheaper, but analysts say it is unclear how soon drivers will see that change at the pump.

Meanwhile, some relief could come soon arrive through gas rebate checks for Californians who filed their 2020 tax returns.

Checks could be rolled out as early as Friday.

The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.79.

City News Service contributed to this report.