News Summary
Recent reports indicate that gas prices in Los Angeles County have seen only minor fluctuations, currently averaging $4.468 per gallon. This slight increase comes as prices remain lower than a month ago and significantly down from last year’s highs. Meanwhile, Orange County’s average is slightly higher at $4.432, also reflecting a modest rise. While national prices dipped slightly, California drivers should prepare for potential increases due to upcoming tax changes and regulations.
Los Angeles and Orange County Gas Prices: A Story of Minor Fluctuations
As residents of bustling Los Angeles go about their daily lives, one question on many minds is: What are gas prices looking like these days? Well, let’s break it down! As of Friday, the average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County is now at 4.468 dollars. Yes, you heard that right! This marks a tiny increase of just two-tenths of a cent.
Interestingly, this is the fourth out of five days in which the price has changed by a mere two-tenths of a cent or less. So if you were expecting wild fluctuations, you might be a bit let down! Overall, the average price in Los Angeles County is actually four-tenths of a cent higher than it was a week ago. But don’t fret too much; it’s also 4.4 cents lower than it was just one month ago and even more encouraging is the fact that drivers are paying 10.5 cents less than this time last year. And for some much-needed context, the price at the pump dropped dramatically by a whopping $2.025 since it peaked at $6.493 back on October 5, 2022.
Orange County’s Trend
Now, let’s take a quick trip down to Orange County. Over the past six days, residents have noticed an increase in gas prices, with the average currently sitting at 4.432 dollars, reflecting an increase of two-tenths of a cent. In total, the Orange County average has seen a rise of 1.7 cents during those six days, with four of those days experiencing increases of three-tenths of a cent or less. Sounds manageable, right?
When you glance at the bigger picture, the current gas price in Orange County is 1.4 cents higher than a week ago, yet it’s still 1.9 cents lower than it was last month and a full 6.6 cents lower than this time last year. Just like Los Angeles, Orange County has also dropped substantially, with a decrease of $2.026 from its record high of $6.458 experienced on October 5, 2022.
Comparing Local and National Trends
For those keeping an eye on the national gas prices, the average just dipped by seven-tenths of a cent, settling at $3.153. Overall, the national average is three-tenths of a cent lower than just a week ago and remains significantly lower—28.8 cents—than last year at this time. The national average has retreated by $1.863 since it hit a peak of $5.016 on June 14, 2022. That’s certainly some good news for the road trippers out there!
What’s on the Horizon?
Looking ahead, California drivers might want to brace themselves for some potential price increases this summer. A state sales tax hike and new carbon-reduction regulations affecting fuel standards are set to roll out soon. Starting July 1, the state’s gas excise tax will jump from 59.6 cents to 61.2 cents per gallon—something that will surely be felt at the pump.
Additionally, modifications to the California Air Resources Board’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard are coming into play, aimed at encouraging gasoline producers to reduce carbon intensity. However, experts suggest these changes might raise prices by as much as 47 cents at the pump, with some forecasting an even more alarming increase of up to 65 cents. Others anticipate a more modest rise of between 5 and 8 cents.
As it stands, the average gas prices in California remain approximately 19 cents lower than the previous year. However, with the highest gas tax rates in the nation, future price hikes may be inevitable. So buckle up, California! The ride ahead may have its bumps.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Gas Prices in Los Angeles County Show Signs of Change
Gas Prices on the Rise in Southern California
Gas Prices in California: Small Increases, Big Impacts
Gas Prices in Los Angeles Show Modest Increase
Gas Prices in Southern California: A Steady Ride
Gas Prices Take a Slight Dip in Los Angeles
Southern California Faces Severe Heat Wave with Triple-Digit Temperatures
California Gas Prices Experience Slight Fluctuations
Gas Prices Dip Slightly in Los Angeles and Orange Counties
Los Angeles Residents Brace for Gas Price Fluctuations
Additional Resources
- Forbes: Gas Prices by State
- LA Times: Visit to the Gas Pump
- NBC Los Angeles: Gas Prices Rise
- ABC7 News: California Gas Prices
- Wikipedia: Gasoline
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
