Gas Prices Up 5 Cents From Last Week In Coachella Valley

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in the Inland Empire rose a half-cent Friday to $4.265, the highest since July 30, 2008, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

The eighth increase in nine days pushed the average price in Riverside and San Bernardino counties 4.8 cents above what it was one week ago, 18.6 cents higher than one month ago and $1.129 greater than it was one year ago.

The average price is 34.9 cents less than the record high of $4.614 set on June 22, 2008.

“Gas prices gained more upward momentum after a couple of pretty flat weeks,” said Jeffrey Spring of the Automobile Club of Southern California.

“(On Thursday), the benchmark West Texas intermediate price for crude oil dropped closer to $100 per barrel, which is a significant decline. If crude oil prices remain at this lower level for some time, we should expect to see downward movement in gas prices.”