County gas prices spike 50+ cents in a month

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County rose 3.9 cents for the third consecutive day today and is now to $3.779, its highest amount since Oct. 29.

The recent sharp increases are the result of a series of refinery issues that have reduced supply, according to Jeffrey Spring, the Automobile Club of Southern California’s corporate communications manager.

“Refineries in Wilmington and Carson reported unplanned flaring as a result of breakdowns last weekend, according to Oil Price Information Service,” Spring said.

“OPIS also reports that operations have not yet recovered for Phillips 66 after the March 16 fire at the company’s Carson refinery. Some Northern California and Pacific Northwest refineries are dealing with planned and unplanned maintenance also, making for a tight gasoline supply throughout the West Coast.”

The average price has risen 22 consecutive days and 27 of the past 28, increasing 51.1 cents, according to figures from the AAA and OPIS. It is 20.1 cents more than one week ago, 51.7 cents higher than one month ago and 27.6 cents greater than one year ago.