Refinery shutdowns and production problems across California are causing a spike in the state’s gas prices—as much as 15 cents a day.
Californians were paying $6.29 on average, as of Sept. 30, for a gallon of gas—about 66 percent more than the national average of $3.80, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
Local wholesale gas prices are now 35 cents higher than their all-time record in June, when prices climbed to an average of $6.26 in Los Angeles, according to the auto club.
“This week saw the most significant gas price increases since they jumped 77 cents in one week in March,” said Doug Shupe, spokesman for the auto club, in a statement. “Until the state receives significant amounts of imported gasoline and local refineries are fully operational again, we will likely continue to see pump price increases.”…