In Lead-Up to Holiday Weekend, Gas Prices Go Up and Up

Thinking of running away from the sea and playing in fresh snow for President's Day weekend? It'll cost you.

Driving to the back country will set you back a bit more, as the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the region – $3.96 on Wednesday – was a record for any day in any February, the consumer group UCAN reported. And of course, that price is up to 60 cents higher in Coronado.

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in the county rose again Thursday, recording its largest daily increase since Feb. 25, 2011, rising 4.8 cents to $3.992, its highest amount since June 3.

The average price has risen 25.5 cents over the past 23 days, including 3.4 cents on Thursday.

Beyond the holiday, UCAN's Charles Langley warned there probably won't be any price relief at the pump in the near future for area residents.

He said the price has jumped 7.6 cents per gallon since Monday and should top $4 per gallon by President's Day. If that happens, it would beat Thursday's new record.

Langley cited media reports that two major Southern California refineries have temporarily shut down for maintenance to comply with federal clean air mandates and that typically drives prices up.

The resulting crimp in supply has left dealers purchasing surplus fuel on the "spot market," which is forcing independent stations to pay more for gas at the wholesale level than name-brand chains, according to Langley. He said that is the reverse of the typical order of things.

Usually, independent stations acquire surplus gas at lower prices than chains, allowing them to then sell for less per-gallon, he said.

Langley said that now, with higher wholesale costs, the independent stations are charging more than their name-brand competitors.

The AAA and Oil Price Information service have reported the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County recorded its greatest daily increase since Sept. 2.

The average price  is more than 13 cents greater than one week ago, nearly 25 cents higher than one month ago and almost 50 cents greater than a year ago, according to the figures.

– City News Service