On Monday, rising gas prices neared an average of $6 per gallon in the Los Angeles area.
It only took one more day for that benchmark to be eclipsed.
On Tuesday, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was nearly $6.03 in the L.A. area, according to AAA.
That’s about 11 cents higher than Monday’s $5.92.
Gas prices also rose statewide, though not by as much as they did in the Southland.
The state average price is $5.76, up about 7 cents from $5.69 on Monday.
Nationally, however, gas prices actually dipped about a tenth of a cent, remaining right around $3.88 per gallon.
Even with the higher prices in L.A. Tuesday morning, the all-time record for average gas price remains the $6.49 recorded last year on Oct. 5, 2022.
“This is a time of year we see prices falling, but this year is different as a result of the increase in crude oil prices and regional refinery issues lately,” explained Doug Shupe, a AAA spokesperson. “But the other factor that’s very unique to our area is the regional refinery issues. We’ve been experiencing refineries that have had either planned or unplanned maintenance issues.”
Residents are trying their best to find and fill up at gas stations offering gas for under $5, but at the moment, they’re very few and far between.
“Regardless of what the prices are, we’re going to pay,” said one local driver. “We have to get to work, so it’s a lose-lose for the driver.”
“It’s killing me!” said Alan, a local resident. “Gas prices, insurance in California, now the customer can’t buy insurance.”
Alan sells cars in North Hollywood. He said between the economy and today’s gas prices, his business is struggling as residents can no longer afford to own a car. He wants change and for lawmakers to step up.
“It doesn’t make sense,” he said. “We are killing our businesses, we are killing our economy, we are killing our people. Every day we pay extra money and tax and it’s not helping.”
Some residents are thinking of other ways to save money such as taking public transit or carpooling.
The good news is that Shupe expects some relief at the pump to arrive at the end of the month.
“That’s when some cargos are expected to arrive on the West Coast,” Shupe said. “And then we’re expected to have even more relief at the end of October when the winter blend fuel enters the marketplace.”