Gas Price Near Temecula Now Highest Amount Since 2015

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County rose Friday for the 27th consecutive day, increasing 4.8 cents to $3.949, its highest amount since Aug. 3, 2015.

The average price has risen 32 of the past 33 days, increasing 68.1 cents, including 3.2 cents on Thursday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 24.8 cents more than one week ago, 67.7 cents higher than one month ago and 43.3 cents greater than one year ago.

The 2015 figure included stations in San Bernardino County.

The statewide average price of $3.955 is 39.2 cents more than the $3.563 average for Hawaii, which traditionally has the highest average price.

The recent sharp increases are the result of a series of refinery issues that have reduced supply, according to Jeffrey Spring, the Automobile Club of Southern California's corporate communications manager.

"Out of the 10 major refineries in California, six are dealing with planned maintenance, unplanned breakdowns or both, and four of those refineries are in Southern California," Spring said.

"(Wednesday's) report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicated that Los Angeles gasoline inventories dropped by about two million barrels, and a source reported to Oil Price Information Service that Southern California received no imported gasoline in the last week. Because demand also typically increases at this time of year, this has posed serious concerns for supply."

— By City News Service