SOUTHLAND – (INT) – The COVID-19 pandemic is no longer guiding the price of gasoline.

California motorists are being hit with the sharpest increase in gasoline prices since last June.

Pump prices, statewide, for a gallon of 87 octane regular are now at $3.32. In Riverside, it’s $3.25 or 14-cents higher than last month. Overall, prices average 26-cents lower than last January.

High crude oil prices appear to be the major factor behind the sharpest one-week increase in gas prices since June, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

“Crude oil is at its highest price level in nearly a year, and that has pushed prices up despite continued low demand and stay-at-home orders in many parts of the state,” said Auto Club spokesman Jeffrey Spring.

Story Date: January 21, 2021