Rideshare workers rally in LA, demanding higher pay as gas prices continue to increase across SoCal

LOS ANGELES -- Rideshare and food-delivery gig drivers on Monday held a rally outside an Uber Greenlight Hub in Los Angeles, demanding higher pay as gas prices continue to increase throughout the region.

"The gas is very expensive and we cannot afford to continue like," said Francisco Magdaleno, an Uber Driver. "We need more than the 55 cents that Uber has given us."

Magdaleno was referring to a 55-cent per-ride surcharge that Uber put in place in March to help offset rising gas prices.

The company told ABC7 that drivers are earning an average of more than $34 an hour, adding that Uber has not seen a decrease in the number of drivers.

Meanwhile. gas station signs all across Southern California have been sporting even higher prices.

"As we get closer and closer to the end of the month, we know people are going to be filling up their cars and trucks to take those road trips for Memorial Day weekend," Doug Shupe, a spokesman for the Automobile Club of Southern California, told ABC7.

Current gasoline prices can be budget-busting for many drivers.

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose Tuesday for the 13th consecutive day, increasing a half-cent to $5.89, one day after rising 1 cent.

The average price has risen 11.6 cents over the past 13 days following a run of 28 decreases in 30 days totaling 29.6 cents, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

The Orange County average price rose for the 12th time in 13 days, increasing seven-tenths of a cent to $5.834. It rose four consecutive days, decreased seven-tenths of a cent May 2 and resumed increasing last Tuesday.

And their are no clear signs of relief in the immediate future.

"Given that global crude oil supply remains tight and we know there's going to be an increase in demand for the product, that's what pushing these pump prices higher and higher," Shupe said.

City News Service contributed to this report.