No Labor Day Break at the Pump

RIVERSIDE — Labor Day weekend is arriving with no holiday from rising fuel costs, particularly for California motorists. The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County climbed 3.7 cents Thursday to approximately $5.719 per gallon, its highest level since June 9.

It was the 16th consecutive daily increase. During that stretch, the county average rose 19.8 cents, including a 3.8-cent jump Wednesday—the largest one-day increase since July 25.

Riverside County drivers are now paying about 13.5 cents more than a week ago, 11.4 cents more than a month ago and $1.236 more than one year ago. For a typical 15-gallon fill-up, regular gasoline costs about $85.78—roughly $18.53 more than at this time last year.

Other fuels are even more punishing. Riverside County averages Thursday stood at $5.962 for midgrade, $6.127 for premium and $7.622 for diesel. California’s statewide regular average reached $5.782, making a 15-gallon purchase about $86.73.

The national average also moved higher for a fourth consecutive day, adding 2.3 cents to approximately $4.144 per gallon. It gained 6.5 cents during those four days after falling a combined 2.3 cents over the preceding four days.

Nationally, regular is 4.4 cents above last week, 4.9 cents above last month and 95.3 cents higher than a year ago. A 15-gallon fill-up at the national average costs approximately $62.15—about $23.63 less than in Riverside County.

Fuel prices accelerated after U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran began Feb. 28 and disrupted global energy markets. Since then, the Riverside County average has increased $1.167 per gallon, while the national average has risen $1.161.

California’s pain is intensified by an isolated fuel market, its cleaner-burning gasoline blend, taxes and environmental program costs. Limited pipeline connections also mean replacement gasoline may have to arrive by ship when local production tightens.

Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, said the national average is at its highest level ever this late in the calendar year. For families traveling, commuting or simply managing a household budget, Labor Day is offering little relief at the pump.