LA County Average Gas Price Reaches $6.387
The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County reached $6.387, sitting just 10.6 cents away from matching its record. According to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service, the countywide average rose 5.1 cents over a single day, marking 39 consecutive days of price increases totaling 74.5 cents.
Rising Costs Across Southern California and National Divergence
The relentless climb at the pump brings Los Angeles County to its highest average price since October 10, 2022. The record average price for the county stands at $6.493, set on October 5, 2022. Neighboring Orange County is experiencing a nearly identical trajectory, with its average price increasing 4.6 cents to $6.369. Orange County prices have also risen for 39 consecutive days, climbing a total of 79.4 cents and resting 8.9 cents shy of its own $6.458 record set on October 5, 2022.
This regional surge starkly contrasts with the national average, which dropped four-tenths of a cent to $4.487 after a brief string of minor increases. While the national average has ticked up only 1.2 cents over the past week, Los Angeles County prices have surged by 20.3 cents over the same seven-day window, averaging an increase of 2.9 cents per day. Orange County drivers have seen an even steeper weekly jump of 20.9 cents, averaging nearly 3 cents of growth daily.
Geopolitical Pressures and Seasonal Deviations
Seasonal trends typically point toward lower fuel costs at the arrival of autumn. AAA points to lingering volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and the persistently high cost of crude oil as the primary drivers behind the pump price increases.
The upward pressure has roots extending back several months. According to tracking data, the Los Angeles County average has escalated $1.693 since the start of the joint U.S. and Israel war on Iran on February 28, an event that sent oil prices higher and accelerated price growth. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, notes that the national average sits at its highest amount this late in the calendar year.
Consumer Impact and Market Pressures
Drivers across Southern California now face fuel expenses significantly higher than one year ago. Los Angeles County prices are 69.3 cents higher than one month ago and $1.665 greater than one year ago. In Orange County, the one-month increase stands at 72 cents, with prices running $1.677 higher than this time last year.
