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No Relief In Sight. At $5.43 A Gallon The Gas Price Rise Marches On
Sky-high gas prices are displayed at a Mobil station across the street from the Beverly Center on March 7.
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Mario Tama
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Getty Images
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At this point, it's not a shock. And yet, it's still a shock.
Yes, gas prices remain through the roof around the nation. And yes, they're particularly high in Southern California. The Automobile Club of Southern California says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is now at $5.43 in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
While the U.S. only imports a relatively small amount of oil from Russia, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is calling for a ban on Russian oil imports after authoritarian leader Vladimir Putin escalated attacks on Ukraine.
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Crude oil and natural gas are the Kremlin's lifeblood. It supplies nearly 40% of Europe's natural gas, according to the Associated Press. President Biden has been hesitant to restrict Russian oil in fear of fanning further inflation flames.
Laura Thompson, who was filling up her tank at a gas station in Pasadena, says the cost is shocking. She rushed to the gas station to fill up her tank before gas prices get even higher. Still, she's OK with paying more in solidarity with Ukraine.
"I was just stunned to see that I was about to pay $5.98 a gallon," Thompson said. "Also part of me was like, I will pay whatever I need to...so here I am...so happy to pay more...don't care and just will you know, kind of limit where I'm headed."
Thompson, who spent $60 on gas for her hybrid vehicle, says the cost is changing the way she drives, and she plans to stick closer to home.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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