SOUTHLAND – (INT) – The easing of pandemic restrictions is helping to drive up gasoline prices.

“Oil Price Information Service and the California Energy Commission report that production of local gasoline increased during four of the past five weeks, indicating anticipation of stronger demand in coming weeks as pandemic restrictions ease,” said Auto Club spokesman Jeffrey Spring. “This trend runs counter to oil prices easing internationally because of COVID-related shutdowns in Europe and Africa. We’ll see in the coming weeks if tempering oil prices have an effect on local gas prices,” Spring said.

The statewide average is $3.93 a gallon for regular 87 octane gasoline. In Riverside, it’s $3.90, which is 16 cents higher than last month, and $1.03 higher than last year as the pandemic hit and people were ordered to limit their driving.

Story Date: April 22, 2021