Southern California Gas Prices Hit Highest Levels Since May

Average gasoline prices in Los Angeles and Orange Counties reached their highest levels since mid-May on September 21, marking 34 consecutive days of increases. In Los Angeles County, the average price for self-serve regular gasoline rose to $6.218 per gallon, while Orange County reached $6.192. These regional spikes mirror a national trend where prices have risen in 21 of the last 22 days, hitting the highest levels recorded for this time of year.

The Automobile Club of Southern California attributes the sustained high costs to ongoing Middle East oil supply concerns, noting that California is particularly vulnerable due to its reliance on imported oil from the region. The price surge is linked to a joint U.S. and Israel war on Iran that began on February 28, which drove up global oil prices.

Since the start of the conflict, gas prices in Los Angeles and Orange Counties have increased by $1.524 and $1.556 respectively, while the national average has risen by $1.496. Data tracking the climb was provided by AAA, the Oil Price Information Service, and GasBuddy.