Southern California drivers are once again facing record-setting prices at the pump, with the average cost of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles and Orange Counties reaching its highest point since October 2022. For 38 consecutive days, prices have been on the rise across the region, adding significant costs for commuters and families.
In Los Angeles County, the average price climbed 5.4 cents on Friday to $6.336 per gallon, marking its highest point since October 11, 2022. This recent jump is part of a longer trend, with the average price increasing by 69.4 cents over the last 38 days, including a 2.4 cent rise on Thursday. Compared to previous periods, Los Angeles County residents are now paying 17.1 cents more than a week ago, 65.1 cents higher than a month ago, and a substantial $1.612 more than one year ago. The Automobile Club of Southern California and Oil Price Information Service track these figures, showing a direct link between global events and local wallets.
These escalating prices are tied to global events. Since the beginning of the joint U.S./Israel war on Iran on February 28, which sent oil prices higher, the average price in Los Angeles County has increased by $1.642. Just south, Orange County drivers are experiencing similar sticker shock. The average price there increased by 5.8 cents on Friday, reaching $6.323 per gallon—its highest since October 9, 2022. Orange County has also seen 38 consecutive days of increases, totaling 74.8 cents, with a 1.9 cent rise reported on Thursday. A week ago, the average price was 18.1 cents lower; a month ago, it was 67.8 cents less. Drivers are now paying $1.628 more than they were a year ago. Since the start of the war on Iran, Orange County's average price has jumped by $1.687.
Kandace Redd, a senior public affairs specialist for the Automobile Club of Southern California, explained the local situation, stating that West Coast gasoline inventories are currently below the five-year average for this time of year, according to data from the Energy Information Administration and Oil Price Information Service. This shortage, she noted, increases the need for imported fuel, especially as worldwide supply disruptions persist. Redd cautioned that Southern Californians should expect to “continue to pay higher prices at the pump” until these issues are resolved.
While Southern California faces some of the nation's steepest prices, the national average is also on an upward trajectory. The average price across the U.S. rose nine-tenths of a cent on Friday to $4.491, following an eight-tenths of a cent increase the day prior. This national figure is 2.3 cents more than a week ago, 39.5 cents higher than a month ago, and $1.334 greater than one year ago. Nationally, the average price has increased $1.509 since the attack on Iran. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, noted that the national average price is at its highest point this late in the calendar year.
The rate of increase in Southern California significantly outpaces the national trend. Over the past week, the average price in Los Angeles County rose by 2.4 cents per day, and in Orange County, it jumped by 2.5 cents daily. In contrast, the national average price rose by approximately one-third of a cent per day during the same period. This stark difference highlights the unique pressures affecting California's fuel market.
With West Coast inventories low and global supply issues unresolved, Southern California drivers are likely to continue experiencing these elevated prices for the foreseeable future. The extended streak of increases suggests that relief is not immediately on the horizon for those commuting on the 405 or just running errands around town.
