(LOS ANGELES, February 21, 2003) — Gasoline prices continued their upward surge for the eighth consecutive week throughout the southwest region, 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 $1.881 per gallon, which is 9.2 cent higher than last week's price, 23.9 cents higher than last month and 58.1 cents higher than last year. In San Diego the price is $1.922 which is which is 9.4 cents higher than last week's level, 22.9 cents higher than last month and 55 cents higher than last year. Motorists in the central coast have an average price of $1.921, which is 9.9 cents above last week's price, 21.5 cents higher than last month and 53.6 cents higher than last year.
"Threats of war and oil strikes in Venezuela and Nigeria continue to push prices upward," said Carol Thorp, Auto Club spokesperson. "With the markets in such turmoil, prices don't show any signs of abating soon."
Average prices as of 12:01 a.m., February 21:
| Area | Regular | Change from last week | Record Price |
| Los Angeles–Long Beach | $1.881 | +9.2 cents | $2.036 (5/25/01) |
| San Diego | $1.920 | +9.4 cents | $2.025 (5/29/01) |
| Santa Barbara–Santa Maria–Lompoc | $1.921 | +9.9 cents | $2.069 (5/16/01) |
| Las Vegas, NV | $1.754 | +8.1 cents | $1.885 (3/27/00) |
| Phoenix–Mesa, AZ | $1.602 | +9.4 cent | $1.720 (5/30/01) |
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