Gas Cheaper in California Than Some States

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose today for the third consecutive day after a 57-day streak of decreases, increasing 1.2 cents to $3.726.

“Many other areas of the country, particularly in the Midwest, are experiencing price increases, and most Southern California drivers are now paying lower prices than those in Chicago and New York City,” said Auto Club of Southern California spokesperson Jeffrey Spring.

The average price fell to its lowest amount since Jan. 4 on Thursday, then rose six-tenths of a cent on Friday and 1.6 cents on Saturday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

“Because of the price increases in other areas, it’s uncertain how much longer Southern California will see continued lower gas prices. But for now, local savvy gas shoppers are in the rare position of being able to pay just a few cents a gallon more than today’s national average price of $3.38 a gallon for regular unleaded,” said Spring.

The three consecutive increases have pushed the average price 1.6 cents above what it was one week ago. However, it is 30.5 cents less than one month ago and 8 cents lower than one year ago.

Average prices are still 70 cents lower than their peak in 2012.