Gas Prices in LA and OC See Minor Decreases Amid High National Averages

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County saw a minor decrease of two-tenths of a cent on Monday, bringing it to $6.438. This marks the fourth consecutive slight drop after a 44-day streak of increases that pushed prices within 5.4 cents of the all-time high. Despite this recent decline, the average price is still 53.5 cents higher than one month ago and $1.695 more than one year ago. The record high of $6.493 was set on October 5, 2022.

In Orange County, the average gas price also dropped two-tenths of a cent to $6.374, following a 42-day run of increases that brought it close to its record high. The current price is 51.1 cents higher than one month ago and $1.679 more than one year ago. Analysts expect a slight decrease in California gas prices following Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement that cheaper winter-blend gasoline can be sold immediately.

Nationally, the average gas price fell for the 10th consecutive day, dropping four-tenths of a cent to $4.365. This represents a 12.6-cent decrease over the past 10 days. The national average is still 22 cents higher than one month ago and $1.232 more than one year ago. The AAA noted that while crude oil prices have dipped back into the $90 per barrel range, overall gas prices remain the highest they’ve ever been for this time of year.