$6 Gas Prices Hit Los Angeles as Oil Costs Surge
Los Angeles drivers are feeling the pinch as regular gasoline prices have surpassed $6 per gallon for the second time this year. The average price of self-serve regular in Los Angeles County reached $6.038 on September 13, marking a 26-day streak of increases.
The county's average price has climbed 39.6 cents over the past 26 days, while Orange County's average has increased by 43.3 cents to reach its highest point since May 29. The national average gas price is currently at $4.313, according to AAA.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, noted that the national average is unusually high during a season when gas prices typically decrease due to lower demand. Oil prices are near or over $100 a barrel due to continued supply concerns related to the Middle East conflict, according to Doug Shupe, media and public relations manager for the Automobile Club of Southern California.