The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Orange County increased for the 26th consecutive day on Sunday, reaching $6.008. This marks the highest average price recorded for the county since May 29.
Over the past 26 days, the average price in Orange County has risen by a total of 43.3 cents. This includes a 4.4 cent increase on Saturday alone. When compared to previous periods, the current average price is 13.4 cents higher than it was one week ago, and 41.3 cents higher than one month ago. Looking further back, the average price stands $1.316 higher than it was one year ago.
The increase reflects a broader regional trend. In Los Angeles County, the average price also rose for the 26th consecutive day on Sunday, increasing 1.7 cents to $6.038. This is its highest amount since June 2.
Over the same 26-day period, the average price in Los Angeles County has risen by 39.6 cents, with a 4.8 cent increase noted on Saturday. Prices in Los Angeles County are 14.1 cents higher than one week ago, 38.4 cents higher than one month ago, and $1.331 higher than one year ago.
Figures for both Orange and Los Angeles counties are provided by the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
Both counties have seen significant price increases since February 28, which marks the start of the joint U.S./Israel war on Iran. The average price in Orange County has increased by $1.372 since that date, while Los Angeles County has seen a $1.344 increase.
Doug Shupe, the media and public relations manager for the Automobile Club of Southern California, released a statement Thursday attributing these increases to global factors. Shupe noted that “Oil prices are now near or over $100 a barrel due to continued supply concerns related to the Middle East conflict, and that has pushed up pump prices locally and nationally.”
The national average price for self-serve regular gasoline also rose, increasing three-tenths of a cent to $4.313. This marks the 13th increase in the last 14 days for the national average.
Nationally, prices are 16.6 cents more than one week ago, 24.2 cents more than one month ago, and $1.134 more than one year ago. Since the attack on Iran, the national average price has increased by $1.331.
According to the AAA, this national increase is occurring during a season when gas prices typically decline due to lower gasoline demand. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, stated that the national average price is currently at its highest amount for this late in the calendar year.
