SOUTHLAND – (INT) – Gasoline prices have edged higher for five consecutive weeks as inventories shrink.

The California Energy Commission reports that gasoline inventories are at a three-month low. The Automobile Club of Southern California speculates it’s probably because of the start of the annual refinery maintenance period. There are reports that at least one Southern California refinery has shut down for maintenance already.

The statewide average for a gallon of 87 octane regular is $3.36. That compares to $3.30 in Riverside for a nickel-a-gallon increase in one week.

Pump prices are still 19-cents lower than a year ago before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

Story Date: January 28, 2021