Gas stations bracing for switch to winter blend

Bad news at the gas pumpwhere we’re seeing a rare post-Labor Day jump in gas prices.

In Riverside and San Bernardino counties the average price for a gallon of regular gas is $4.11, more than 3 cents higher than a month ago and almost 20 cents higher than a year ago at this time.

The factgas stations can now switch from the summer blend of gas to the lower cost winter blend should eventually bring prices down.

“I am looking for anything that lowers gas prices,” said Gary Pendleton who was filling up his car at aShell station in La Quinta.”I don’t care what blend they do. Theaverage lay person, really doesn’t mean anything to us.All that really matters to us is what we’re paying right there on the pump.”

Gas stations don’t start purchasing the lower cost winter blend of gasuntiltheir current inventories get low.

A number of factorsare keeping gas prices high, including the tensions in the Middle Eastand refinery shutdowns due to Hurricane Isaac.