Average prices for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Orange County dropped for the eighth consecutive day on Friday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. The average price decreased 1.8 cents to $6.305, bringing the total reduction over the past eight days to 10 cents. This comes after a period of 42 increases in 44 days, which saw prices climb by 83.7 cents and brought the average within 5.3 cents of its record high.
For San Clemente residents and South Orange County commuters, this trend marks a notable shift. The current average price is 9.4 cents less than one week ago, though still 40.1 cents more than one month ago and $1.604 higher than one year ago. The record average price for Orange County was $6.458, set on October 5, 2022.
The recent downturn in prices is attributed to an announcement last week by Governor Gavin Newsom, which permitted the sale of cheaper winter-blend gasoline immediately, ahead of the customary November 1 start date. This early switch has impacted wholesale prices across the region.
Kandace Redd, a senior public affairs specialist for the Automobile Club of Southern California, commented on the situation, stating on Thursday that wholesale gasoline prices in Los Angeles have "plummeted in the last week after the early switch to winter blend." She added that West Coast refiners have increased their production, which "could mean more significant pump price decreases in coming days." This outlook suggests further relief may be on the horizon for drivers in San Clemente and surrounding areas.
Similarly, Los Angeles County also experienced a drop for the eighth consecutive day on Friday. The average price there fell 1.5 cents to $6.366, marking a total decrease of 7.3 cents over the past eight days. Prior to this decline, Los Angeles County saw a 44-day streak of increases totaling 79.7 cents, pushing prices within 5.4 cents of its record of $6.493, also set on October 5, 2022.
Like Orange County, prices in Los Angeles County are 6.6 cents less than a week ago, but remain 44.2 cents more than one month ago and $1.642 higher than one year ago. Both Orange County and Los Angeles County have seen significant price increases since February 28, a period attributed to the start of a joint U.S./Israel war on Iran, which contributed to higher oil prices and accelerated increases at the gas pump. Since that date, Orange County prices have increased by $1.669, and Los Angeles County prices have risen by $1.672.
