(LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10, 2003) - Rising prices for crude oil on world markets have pushed up the price of gasoline in Southern California for the second consecutive week, according to the Weekend Gas Watch compiled by the Automobile Club of Southern California. The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline at popular destinations for motoring trips.
Currently, the average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in the Los Angeles Long Beach area is $1.607 per gallon, which is 4.6 cents higher than last week's price, five cents higher than last month and 57 cents higher than last year. In San Diego the price is $1.661, which is which is 3.9 cents higher than last week's level, three cents higher than last month and 42 cents higher than last year. Motorists in the central coast have an average price of $1.664, which is four cents higher than last week's price, seven cents higher than last month and 52 cents higher than last year.
"Uncertainties about possible hostilities in the middle-east have caused crude oil prices to shoot up on world markets and that has an impact here in Southern California," said Carol Thorp, Auto Club spokesperson. "Oil producing countries are scheduled to meet this weekend to discuss an increase in production. If more crude flows onto world markets, economic uncertainties could ease, at least in the near term. That might bring down prices that we see at the pump."
Average prices as of 12:01 a.m., January 10:
Area | Regular | Change from last week | Record Price |
Los AngelesLong Beach | $1.607 | +4.6 cents | $2.036 (5/25/01) |
San Diego | $1.661 | +3.9 cents | $2.025 (5/29/01) |
Santa BarbaraSanta MariaLompoc | $1.664 | +4.0 cents | $2.069 (5/16/01) |
Las Vegas, NV | $1.419 | +3.0 cents | $1.885 (3/27/00) |
PhoenixMesa, AZ | $1.347 | +2.6 cents | $1.720 (5/30/01) |
###