Auto Club: Gas Prices Rise for Fifth Straight Week

    LOS ANGELES--Feb. 8, 2002--Pump prices increased for the fifth straight week throughout Southern California, southern Nevada and Arizona, according to the Weekend Gas Watch, compiled by the Automobile Club of Southern California.
    The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline at popular destinations for motoring trips.
    Currently, the average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $1.281 per gallon, which is 3.1 cents above last week's price. In San Diego the price is $1.340, which is 1.8 cents higher than last week's level. Motorists in the central coast have an average price of $1.370, which is 1.8 cents above last week's price.
    "Prices in Southern California continue to increase moderately," said Auto Club spokesperson Jeff Spring. "While prices in most of the nation remain somewhat level, California prices are reflecting a reduction of output because some state refineries have closed some operations for maintenance and prepare for the annual switch to summer grade gasoline. However, prices still are about 20-25 cents per gallon below the average for this time last year."

Average prices as of 12:01 a.m., Feb. 8:

Area                       Regular      Change from    Record Price
                                         last week

Los Angeles-Long Beach      $1.281       +3.1 cents    $2.036 (5/25)

San Diego                   $1.340       +1.8 cents    $2.025 (5/29)

Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-
Lompoc                      $1.370       +1.8 cents    $2.069 (5/16)
 
Las Vegas                   $1.226       +2.6 cents    $1.885 (3/27/00)

Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz.         $1.109       +0.2 cents    $1.720 (5/30)

    The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs.
    Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.