Most Southland Gas Price Averages Soar Above $3.30

(LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11, 2011) —For the fourth month in a row, gas prices in Southern California have posted increases from the previous month and now are just below their highest January levels ever in most areas,  according to the Automobile Club of Southern California monthly Fuel Gauge Report.

The Southern California January average price for regular unleaded self-serve gasoline is $3.347, eight cents higher than the December average of $3.263, but one cent lower than the all-time January Fuel Gauge highest price of $3.357 in 2008.

The statewide average price of $3.345 is also about eight cents higher than the December average of $3.264 and just below the January 2008 Fuel Gauge Report average of $3.349. Chico has the lowest average price in the state at $3.276, while Eureka has the highest gas price average at $3.529. The lowest-priced gas among surveyed Southern California cities is Hemet at $3.279, and the highest Southland gas price average in the survey is Laguna Beach at $3.488.

 

Nationally, the January average price of $3.089 is 11 cents higher than the December average of $2.979. Hawaii once again has the most expensive gas in the country with an average price of $3.688. Colorado has the lowest state average price at $2.865.  

“Crude oil prices of $90 a barrel are primarily responsible for the price increases,” said Auto Club spokesperson Jeffrey Spring. “Drivers will need to hunt for lower prices and it’s now rare to find any stations with pump prices lower than $3.25 a gallon.”

In Southern California, the averages for regular and premium grades of gasoline are listed below: