Gas Price Near Lake Elsinore Rises For 7th Time in 8 Days

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County rose Friday for the seventh time in eight days, increasing six-tenths of a cent to $3.229.

The average price has risen 7.2 cents over the past eight days, including eight-tenths of a cent on Thursday, following a run of six decreases in seven days totaling 3.2 cents that dropped the average price to its lowest amount since Jan. 8, 2018, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

The average price is 5.9 cents more than one week ago and 1.2 cents higher than one month ago but 16.2 cents less than one year ago.

The run of increases is the result of supply concerns following a power outage at Chevron's El Segundo refinery after it was struck by lightning, according to Jeffrey Spring, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications manager.

"A Chevron spokesperson told Oil Price Information Service on Wednesday that the El Segundo refinery is still working to restore full capacity," Spring said.

"OPIS also reported that there was a spike in recent days in California refiners buying gasoline on the open market to make up production shortfalls. However, that spike appears to be over, so upward pressure on pump prices may be easing a bit."

— By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock