Los Angeles County gasoline averages climbed to $6.044 per gallon for self-serve regular fuel, marking a 27-day streak of continuous increases according to figures released by the AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. Drivers across Southern California face escalating fuel costs that have pushed prices to their highest marks since early June, driven by crude market shifts following the start of the joint U.S. and Israel war on Iran.
Los Angeles and Orange County Price Trajectories
Los Angeles County prices ticked upward by six-tenths of a cent, bringing the local average to $6.044 per gallon, according to data from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. That figure represents a total increase of 40.2 cents over the past 27 days, including a 1.7-cent jump recorded on a Sunday. Motorists are paying 13.8 cents more than a week ago, 39.4 cents more than a month ago, and $1.338 more than the same time last year.
In neighboring Orange County, the average price rose four-tenths of a cent to reach $6.012 per gallon, marking its own 27-day upward trend according to the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. Orange County averages have climbed 43.7 cents over the last 27 days, pushing pump prices to levels not seen since late May. Drivers there face costs that are 13 cents higher than last week, 42.3 cents higher than a month ago, and $1.312 above prices from one year prior.
Did you know? According to tracking data from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service, Southern California pump prices have surged by roughly $1.35 since the onset of the conflict in the Middle East on Feb. 28.
National Pump Price Comparisons
Nationwide, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline rose three-tenths of a cent to $4.316, marking the 14th increase in a 15-day span. Consumers across the country are paying 16.6 cents more than a week ago and 23.9 cents more than a month ago, with costs running $1.141 higher than last year.
The national trajectory defies seasonal patterns. “The national average is increasing during a season when gas prices typically go down due to lower gasoline demand,” according to the AAA. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, noted that the national average price sits at its highest amount this late in the calendar year.
Geopolitical Pressures on Regional Markets
The persistent climb at Southern California pumps traces back directly to international supply disruptions. According to the AAA and Oil Price Information Service, the Los Angeles County average has increased $1.35 since the start of the joint U.S. and Israel war on Iran on Feb. 28. That conflict sent global oil prices higher and drastically accelerated increases at retail stations.
Orange County has seen a nearly identical impact, with local averages jumping $1.376 since the military engagement began. The national average reflects a similar strain, rising $1.334 since the attack on Iran disrupted petroleum markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are gas prices rising in Los Angeles County?
Gas prices in Los Angeles County have risen for 27 consecutive days due to oil market pressures stemming from the joint U.S. and Israel war on Iran, which began on Feb. 28, according to the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
How much has a gallon of gas increased in Orange County?
The average price in Orange County reached $6.012 per gallon, increasing 43.7 cents over 27 days and bringing total gains to $1.376 since the start of the war on Iran, according to AAA data.
What is the national average for regular gasoline?
The national average rose to $4.316 per gallon, marking the 14th increase in 15 days, according to figures from the AAA and GasBuddy.
Are gas prices normally this high at this time of year?
GasBuddy petroleum analysis head Patrick De Haan notes the current national average is at its highest point this late in the calendar year.
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