The average price of regular gasoline has increased 18 times in the last 20 days in San Diego County, but it remains at a record high of $4.741 on Sunday.
The current price of gas is 3.3 cents more than one week ago, 11.6 cents higher than one month ago, and $1.153 greater than one year ago.
On Saturday, the average price of gas increased one-tenth of a cent, according to the American Automotive Association and Oil Price information service.
This shatters the county’s last record set on Oct.8, 2012, at $4.725.
Crude oil costs account for slightly more than half of the pump price, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Several reasons contribute to the alarming increase in gasoline prices in Southern California.
The first is the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine which are putting upward pressure on the crude oil prices now nearing $100 per barrel, according to Doug Shupe, a spokesperson for AAA.
He said the second factor is the increase in demand for gasoline.
“As the temperatures warm up in different parts of the country, people need gasoline to take road trips. And then the third factor is, we have the more expensive summer-blend fuel now in the marketplace in Southern California,” Shupe said.
The best way to maximize fuel efficiency is to keep your vehicle well maintained, according to the AAA.
