Gas Prices Continue Slow Climb

While some of the region’s refineries have returned to normal production, other refinery issues continue to push prices upward, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California's Weekend Gas Watch. The retail statewide average is $4.09 a gallon for regular unleaded, which is 5 cents higher than last week.
 
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.13 per gallon, which is 4 cents higher than last week, 53 cents higher than last month, and 44 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.09, which is up 3 cents from last Thursday, 56 cents higher than last month, and 43 cents higher than this time last year. On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.14, which is 4 cents higher than last week, 56 cents higher than last month, and 44 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.06, which is 3 cents higher than last week, 56 cents higher than last month, and 46 cents higher than last year. In San Bernardino, the $4.07 average price is 3 cents higher than last week, 55 cents higher than last month, and 52 cents higher than a year ago today.

“Overall refinery production has increased, but a lag in gasoline imports and continuing issues with some refineries in the state has increased prices,” said Auto Club spokesman Jeffrey Spring. “Drivers should continue to look for ways to conserve gasoline such as shopping around for lower prices, moderating driving behavior and combining errands.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 2, averages are: