Average California gas prices now over $5 a gallon

The common worth of a gallon of self-serve common gasoline in California is now a whopping $5.28, in contrast with $3.73 on the identical time a 12 months in the past, in line with the most recent knowledge from the American Vehicle Assn.

In Los Angeles County, the typical gasoline worth for regular-grade gasoline is $5.37 per gallon — up from $4.67 a month in the past and $3.79 a 12 months in the past, in line with AAA. The nationwide common is $4 per gallon.

Consultants say Russia’s conflict on Ukraine and a rise in gasoline demand coupled with a discount in complete provide are contributing to the costs, which can in all probability hold rising as crude costs proceed to climb.

Even earlier than Russia, one of many world’s high producers of petroleum and different crude oil, invaded neighboring Ukraine and set off Europe’s largest floor conflict in additional than 75 years, gasoline costs had ballooned in response to pandemic supply-chain points and inflation.

Eric Swanson, a professor of economics at UC Irvine, stated low-income residents shall be hit hardest by the rising price in gasoline and housing. Finally, he stated, it should additionally result in increased costs for transported items.

In lots of locations throughout the Southland, they have already got.

Carlos Perez, who owns C.P. Towing Service in El Monte, stated elevated gasoline costs just lately compelled him to boost his charges for a number of companies, together with a easy tire change and hauling crashed automobiles.

“That’s simply the enterprise,” he stated. “Every little thing goes up.”

Perez, 55, who runs the corporate on his personal and infrequently works 14-hour shifts, usually covers Los Angeles and Orange counties however generally makes farther pickups, he stated, together with one which was 700 miles away.

To cowl that type of mileage, he fills up his 2016 Peterbilt flatbed truck virtually each day, shelling out $200 every time — up from $160 presently final 12 months, he stated.

It has been difficult, however Perez finds encouragement from his clients’ loyalty and constructive critiques.

“Gasoline is excessive, however what are you able to do?” he stated. “I’m completely happy work hasn’t stopped.”

Instances workers writers Kenan Draughorne, Andrew J. Campa and Marisa Gerber contributed to this report.