(LOS ANGELES, September 2, 2005) — A convergence of major events combined to send gasoline prices to new record highs and more increases are expected in the coming weeks, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California's Weekend Gas Watch. Production interruptions at two major refineries in Martinez, Calif., last week sent local prices higher initially, now the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina threaten to push prices well above $3 per gallon.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles–Long Beach area is $2.855, which is 6.1 cents higher than last week, 26 cents higher than last month and 75 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the price is $2.896 — 7.7 cents above last week's price, 27 cents above last month and 76 cents above last year. On the Central Coast, the average price is $2.938, up 5.2 cents from last week, 25 cents higher than last month and 64 cents higher than last year. In the Inland Empire, the average price is $2.861, up 7.5 cent from last week, 29 cents above last month and 73 cents higher than last year.
"We're advising motorists not to top-off their tanks," Auto Club spokeswoman Carol Thorp said. "With the price of gasoline rising, motorists can conserve gas by keeping their vehicle's maintenance up to date, consolidate trips, car pool, use mass transit and, for short trips, try bicycling or walking."
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline as of 12:01 a.m., September 2:
| Area | Regular | Change | Record Price |
| Los Angeles–Long Beach | $2.855 | + 6.1 cents | $2.855 (09/01/2005) |
| Orange County | $2.847 | + 7.3 cents | $2.847 (09/01/2005) |
| San Diego | $2.896 | + 7.7 cents | $2.896 (09/01/2005) |
| Santa Barbara–Santa Maria–Lompoc | $2.938 | + 5.2 cents | $2.938 (09/01/2005) |
| Riverside–San Bernardino | $2.861 | + 7.5 cents | $2.861 (09/01/2005) |
| Bakersfield | $2.910 | + 10.5 cents | $2.910 (09/01/2005) |
| Las Vegas, NV | $2.714 | + 5.1 cents | $2.714 (09/01/2005) |
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