Auto Club: SoCal Gas Prices Continue Rising

Southern California gas prices are up for the fourth straight week in most areas, according to the Auto Club's Weekend Gas Watch. California's $4.59 average statewide price is five cents higher than last week and 26 cents lower than a year ago today. The average national price is $2.92, which is two cents lower than a week ago and 24 cents lower than on this date last year.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.62 per gallon, which is five cents higher than last week and 16 cents lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.62, which is three cents higher than last week and 16 cents lower than the price this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.51, which is five cents higher than last week and 23 cents lower than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.48, which is five cents higher than last week and 18 cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.49 average price is seven cents higher than last week and 17 cents lower than a year ago today.

"The gas price increases we have been seeing are typical for this time of year in Southern California as refineries undergo planned and unplanned maintenance while gasoline demand starts increasing, leading to upward price pressure," said Auto Club spokesperson Kandace Redd.

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 19, averages are: