Gas prices in Los Angeles County have hit alarming levels, with the cost per gallon now surpassing figures not seen in almost three years.
As of Friday, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline climbed 3.7 cents to $6.141, marking the highest rate since October 2023, according to data from AAA.
Prices have been on the rise for nine consecutive days, increasing a total of 22.1 cents in this period. This uptick came right after a brief dip where prices dropped by 12.8 cents over two weeks.
The current surge means that prices are 15.3 cents higher than just a week ago and up 13.4 cents from a month prior. Compared to last year’s prices, drivers are now shelling out an additional $1.373 per gallon.
On a national level, the situation appears even graver.
The national average price increased by 9.2 cents to $4.392 per gallon, reaching its highest level since July 2022. This marks the ninth consecutive day of increases, totaling 37.2 cents during that span, as per AAA figures.
Today’s prices are 33.3 cents above last week’s, 32.8 cents higher compared to a month ago, and $1.205 more than a year ago.
People are not just frustrated; they are actively searching for alternatives. A report highlighted that one gas station attendant in California feels isolated, as many drivers are opting to go to Arizona, just a mile away, where gas prices are significantly lower.
The high cost of fuel is garnering political scrutiny in California.
Independent Representative Kevin Kiley pointed out that the statewide average stands at $6.06, significantly higher than the national average and 43 cents up from second-place Hawaii.
“Shutting down refineries will only exacerbate the issue,” Kiley stated. “Yet, state leaders seem unwilling to halt gas taxes or adjust energy policy to alleviate the burden.”
Fellow Republican lawmaker Ken Calvert recently criticized what he termed California’s “energy madness,” warning that refinery shutdowns and stricter regulations are constricting supply and inflating prices.
Even with these recent spikes, both local and national prices are still lower than historic highs, though not by much. In Los Angeles County, the average price is about 35 cents below the peak reached in October 2022, while the national average is around 62 cents lower than the peak from June 2022.
