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Gas prices in Southern California are at their highest level this year, with the average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded in the Los Angeles and Long Beach area at $4.41 this week, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

That’s up one cent from a week ago, and one cent from a month ago, but actually $ 1.20 more than this time last year, said AAA spokesperson Doug Shupe.

Typically prices dip after the Labor Day holiday, when many families end their summer travel. But Shupe says there’s lingering concern over COVID-19 and crude oil prices, putting upward pressure on prices at the pump. 

Kimberly Cheng reports for the KTLA 5 News at 1 on Sept. 27, 2021.