Coachella Valley Gas Prices Rise 21 Cents Over One Week

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley rose today to its highest amount since Sept. 10, 2008, increasing 1.2 cents to $3.77.

The 28th increase in 29 days pushed the average price in Riverside and San Bernardino counties 21.6 cents higher than a week ago, 42.7 cents above what it was one month ago and 76.5 cents greater than it was one year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

Analysts attribute the rising prices to increasing prices for imported crude oil stemming from the unrest in the Middle East.

Crude oil costs account for two-thirds to three-quarters of the price of a gallon of gasoline, according to Tupper Hull of the Western States Petroleum Association, a trade association representing oil companies in six western states.