Gas prices in Los Angeles and Orange counties reach highest levels since late 2023 amid ongoing increases
Quick Look
- Average self-serve regular gasoline prices in Los Angeles County rose to $6.258 per gallon on Wednesday, the highest since October 2023, after 36 consecutive days of increases totaling 61.6 cents.
- Orange County prices reached $6.246, up 67.1 cents over the same period.
- The article links the trend to the start of President Trump’s stated conflict with Iran in February, noting prices have risen $1.564 since then.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Gasoline prices in Los Angeles and Orange counties have risen for 36 consecutive days, reaching levels not seen since late 2023. The increase is attributed in part to geopolitical tensions involving Iran, according to the article. National averages are also at seasonal highs.
The average cost for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose Wednesday to its highest level since October 2023, climbing to $6.258.
Figures from AAA and the Oil Price Information Service show that rates have grown for 36 straight days, adding 61.6 cents total, including a 2.3-cent rise Tuesday.
That is 16.9 cents higher than one week ago, up 58.4 cents from one month ago, and $1.528 above one year ago.
Since the start of President Donald Trump’s war with Iran in February, which sent oil costs soaring and significantly accelerated fuel increases at the pump, the average price has risen by $1.564.
In Orange County, the average figure hit its highest level since September 2023, growing 2.2 cents to $6.246.
Prices have also climbed for 36 straight days in the OC, gaining 67.1 cents, including 3.2 cents on Tuesday.
The Orange County average price is 17.7 cents higher than one week ago, 61.5 cents above one month ago, and $1.543 greater than one year ago. It has climbed $1.61 since the start of the war on Iran.
On Sunday, Trump claimed on Truth Social that fuel costs were “much higher” under his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden.
“Gas prices were much higher under Biden than under “TRUMP.” So were almost all other prices,” the president said.
Truth Social users were quick to rebut.
“Not in Michigan, liar,” a Truth Social follower replied to Trump. “The highest it went was $4.49 a gallon. It's $4.99 now.”
“I have never paid more for gas than I did today.. and I’m 61 live in Michigan,” said another.
“I disagree. Gas prices in Tennessee are the highest I’ve seen,” someone else replied to the president.
“Nope, gas and food prices are higher now, and diesel is much worse,” added another.
The national average figure is at its highest level this late in the calendar year, according to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, which offers live fuel price data from more than 150,000 stations.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Gasoline prices will continue to rise if geopolitical tensions with Iran escalate further
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific actions constitute the 'war with Iran' referenced by the article?
- How much of the price increase is directly attributable to geopolitical factors versus seasonal or market dynamics?
- Are there any planned government interventions to address rising fuel costs?
