Gas crisis turns to ’emergency steps’ for relief
L.A. (BDCi) – After a few days of significant increases in local gas prices, Governor Jerry Brown announced Sunday (7) emergency steps to be taken in order to help boost California’s gasoline supply.
The release of what is known as the “winter-blend” of gasoline was ordered by Gov. Brown, forcing the California Air Resources to make the blend, usually not sold until after October, immediately available.
Up 52 cents from last week, this Sunday’s average price for regular gasoline in L.A. County was $4.69
The state’s price per gallon was the highest in the nation, surpassing California’s June 2008 record high of $4.609.
Several factors led to this all-time high in wholesale prices, including a power outage at an Exxon Mobil plant in Torrance on Monday (1).
Chevron’s plant in Richmond has also been running at “reduced capacity” due to a fire on August 6.
Also, California refineries have decreased production in preparation for switching to the winter-blend gasoline.
The surge in prices has some filling station owners not purchasing gasoline for their underground tanks.
Escalating prices may last for weeks, resulting in the possible beating of the $5 average mark .
Here’s how L.A. compares (in average prices) to other cities:
Atlanta: $3.62 Boston: $3.95 Chicago $4.04 Denver $3.69 New York: $4.12
St. Louis: $3.46
By: Diego Díaz Source: LA Times Photo: Google 8 October 2012
9:35 a.m. P.D.T.