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Gas Prices Reach $6 Per Gallon
Southern Californians are experiencing pain at the pump with gas prices rising to around $6 for a gallon, the highest prices have been since last October.
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Mario Tama
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Topline:
Southern Californians are experiencing pain at the pump with gas prices rising to around $6 for a gallon, the highest prices have been since last October.
Reasons for the rise: Doug Shupe, spokesperson for the Automobile Club of Southern California said the reason for the rise in gas prices is because of oil supply cuts in Saudi Arabia and Russia as well as the deadly flooding in Libya. The floods that have claimed over 11,000 lives have temporarily disrupted oil exports from the OPEC nation.
“The other main factor that we're seeing on our pump prices is regional refinery issues,” Shupe said. “Whenever our refineries have planned or unplanned maintenance, it reduces our inventory and sends those pump prices skyrocketing.”
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When can we see relief: Shupe expects drivers to see some relief at the end of the month when shipments from overseas are expected on the West Coast. “We'll have even more relief at the end of October, that's when the cheaper winter blend fuel can be sold here in Southern California,” Shupe said.
How to maximize fuel efficiency: “Keep your vehicle well maintained, including properly inflated tires. If you're driving on under inflated tires, you're just wasting money,” Shupe said. “Lighten the load of your vehicle, get rid of any extra heavy, bulky items you don't need for your daily commutes. The heavier the vehicle is, the more you're paying to drive it around.”
He also advised commuters to obey the speed limit.
“The faster the vehicle is moving, the more fuel you're burning,” he said.
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