LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
It wouldn't be Christmas without a proverbial lump of coal: Gas prices in Southern California are at their highest they've been since October. #ThanksObamaAccording to City News Service, the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in LA County exceeded $3 for the first time since October 15 today, rising a half-cent to $3.004.
Jeffrey Spring, the communications manager for the Automobile Club of Southern California, said that the price increase is a result of unplanned maintenance at several Tesoro refineries in Wilmington and Carson, as well as one in Northern California and one in Washington state, which has reduced supply. SoCal is particularly screwed:The Desert Sun reports that the rest of the United States is experiencing the lowest gas prices since March 2009, at an average of $1.99 per gallon.
Over the last nine consecutive days, the average price has risen steadily—19.5 cents more than it was one week ago, according to AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, Los Angeles' prices are the highest in the state, followed by San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland.
Comedian Andy Richter had this to share:
Stopped to fill up my car on the way to my daughter's accordion lesson and OH YEAH pic.twitter.com/1GaIRqxKAX
— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) December 26, 2015
Maybe this is the price we pay to live in Sodom glamorous ~*Hollywood~*:
And btw, folks, gas could be free in your podunk town & it still wouldn't be HOLLYWOOD, you jealous bitches
— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) December 26, 2015