The latest numbers released by the government this afternoon show that an average gallon of self-serve regular in the L.A. area was $3.05 a gallon, up from $2.58 just four weeks ago. That's enough for folks to start noticing the extra $15 or $20 they're shelling out every time they tank up. Normally, oil prices are in lockstep with gasoline prices, but year-to-date, oil is down 3.5 percent and today it fell more than a dollar a barrel, to around $59. There are plenty of explanations offered by industry types on why gas has gone up so much so fast - supply shortages in other parts of the country, the annual switchover to summer grade fuel, etc. - but consumer groups claim that supplies are being deliberately limited in order to raise prices and profit margins. The industry admits that supplies are limited, but claims it’s beyond its control. Take your pick.
More by Mark Lacter:
American-US Air settlement with DOJ includes small tweak at LAXSocal housing market going nowhere fast
Amazon keeps pushing for faster L.A. delivery
Another rugged quarter for Tribune Co. papers
How does Stanford compete with the big boys?
Those awful infographics that promise to explain and only distort
Best to low-ball today's employment report
Further fallout from airport shootings
Crazy opening for Twitter*
Should Twitter be valued at $18 billion?
Recent stories:
Siri versus Hawaiian pidgin (video)Letter from Down Under: Welcome to the Homogenocene
One last Florida photo
Signs of Saturday: No refund
'I Am Woman,' hear them roar
New at LA Observed
On the Politics Page
Go to Politics
Sign up for daily email from LA Observed