Average LA County Gas Price Dips for 15th Time in 17 Days

LOS ANGELES COUNTY -- The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County fell today for the 15th time in 17 days, dropping 1 cent to $4.872, its lowest amount since April 3.

The average price has decreased 7.8 cents over the past 17 days, including 1 cent Thursday, according to figures from the AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. It is 4 cents less than one week ago, 1.8 cents lower than one month ago and 96.8 cents below what it was one year ago.

The average price has dropped $1.622 since rising to a record $6.494 on Oct. 5.

``With oil prices falling on recession fears and gasoline demand reportedly dropping across the country, Southern California drivers are seeing gas prices drop for the second consecutive week in most areas,'' said Doug Shupe, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications manager.

The national average price dropped for the 15th consecutive day following a 23-day streak of increases totaling 25.1 cents, falling 1.3 cents to $3.561. It has dropped 12.5 cents over the past 15 days, including 1.2 cents Thursday, and is 6.6 cents less than one week ago and 68.6 cents lower than a year ago but 3.3 cents more than one month ago.

The national average price has dropped $1.455 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14.

-- City News Service