Southern California gas prices are rising by 54 cents last month, expected to increase

Nationally, the price of ordinary unleaded gas has increased 28 cents in the last month. In Southern California, residents especially feel the squeeze, as gas prices have increased a lot 54 cents over the past month in Los Angeles and Long Beach, with the average price coming in at $ 3.89. Eyewitness News even found a gas station that sells lead-free for $ 3.93. In L.A. County alone has increased prices by more than 10 cents each week.

"The problem this year is, of course, these unexpected closures of the fire refinery that have really kinked the move of gasoline," explained Patrick DeHaan of Gas Buddy. "But besides that, we have also seen that the floods in the Midwest also lower the flow of ethanol to the west coast, which is mixed into that gasoline ̵[ads1]1; so a double-whammy."

DeHaan said it will be much worse before it gets better. He expects average awards in Los Angeles to hit $ 4 a gallon this week.

"California is ready to see the highest gas prices soon we've seen over the past five years," DeHaan added.

The American Automobile Association has some recommendations for improving gas mileage:

-Slow Down. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use.

– Do not use your suitcase for storage. The heavier your car, the more fuel it uses.

-When recommended tire pressure. Low pressure reduces fuel economy and can damage tires.

Use air conditioner. Today's air conditioning creates less drag on the engine than running with the windows open.