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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Gas prices keep going up. When will it end?
California drivers continue to experience pain at the pump as part of the ripple effect behind the the United States-Iran conflict.
LOS ANGELES - Gas prices across Southern California have reached their highest levels since late 2023, driven by geopolitical instability and high refining costs.
As of Saturday, March 14, most local drivers are seeing prices well above the state average of $5.48.
What we know:
The current average prices for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Southern California are as follows:
- Los Angeles County: $5.562 (Up 10.3 cents since Friday)
- San Diego County: $5.533 (Up 24 consecutive days)
- Orange County: $5.530 (Up 10.8 cents since Friday)
- Ventura County: $5.495 (Average based on recent regional trends)
- Riverside County: $5.448 (Approximate based on 51-cent weekly rise)
- San Bernardino County: $5.421 (Mirroring Inland Empire trends)
What they're saying:
"Oil prices spiked over $100 a barrel on Monday and continue to be volatile as this conflict continues," said Kandace Redd, the Automobile Club of Southern California's senior public affairs specialist.
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"California has experienced much higher price increases than other states because the majority of the state's gasoline is refined from foreign crude oil sources."
What's next:
To combat the surge, the U.S. has announced the release of 172 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves over the next four months.
This is part of a larger, historic emergency release of 400 million barrels coordinated by the International Energy Agency intended to provide downward pressure on global energy markets.
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However, energy analysts warn that "volatility will continue" as long as Middle East conflicts remain unresolved and seasonal spring demand begins to peak.
The Source: The figures provided are based on the latest data from March 14 compiled by AAA and the Oil Price Information Service, as well as information from the Automobile Club of Southern California.