More Pain at the Pump: Soaring Gas Price Is Highest Since May

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose Sunday to its highest amount since May 30, increasing 2.4 cents to $4.06.

• Click the Gas & Traffic tab at the top of this page for the latest gasoline prices in Encino.

The average price has increased 13 consecutive days and 25 times in 26 days. It is now 19 cents more than one week ago, 32.8 cents higher than a month ago and 51.6 cents greater than a year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

The average price has risen 31.6 cents over the past 26 days, including 4 cents on Saturday.

In Orange County, the average price rose to its highest amount since May 27, increasing 2.6 cents to $4.05.

The Orange County average price is 19.2 cents more than one week ago, 32.8 cents higher than a month ago and 51.3 cents greater than a year ago. It has increased 29 of the past 31 days, rising 32.8 cents during that span, including 3.5 cents on Saturday.

Analysts have cited increasing oil prices and the closure of some California refineries for maintenance as reasons for the rising prices.

Crude oil costs account for two-thirds to three-quarters of the price of a gallon of gasoline, according to Tupper Hull of the Western States Petroleum Association, a trade association representing oil companies in six western states.

-- City News Service