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RIVERSIDE (CNS) – The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County rose Wednesday for the 15th consecutive day and 16th time in 17 days, increasing 1.1 cents to $4.591.

The average price has risen 16.4 cents over the past 17 days, including nine-tenths of a cent Tuesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 8 cents more than one week ago and 22.1 cents higher than one month ago, but 8.7 cents less than one year ago.

The average price has dropped $1.782 since rising to a record $6.373 on Oct. 5.

The national average price rose four-tenths of a cent to $3.418, ending a streak of 17 straight days of decreases. It is 4.3 cents less than one week ago and 7.4 cents lower than one year ago, but 12 cents more than one month ago.

The national average price decreased 9.6 cents over the previous 17 days, including two-tenths of a cent Tuesday, after rising 24.3 cents during the 17-day streak of increases. It has dropped $1.598 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, which provides real-time gas price information from more than 150,000 stations, predicts the average national price will soon begin increasing.

“GasBuddy data shows that gasoline demand has risen for the third straight week, a trend that will likely continue as we gradually see temperatures warm and the heart of winter moves to the rear view,” De Haan said. “Also, refinery maintenance season will soon be in full force, likely putting upward pressure on prices.

“On average, gasoline prices rise between 35 and 85 cents per gallon between March and Memorial Day, so motorists seeing prices fall should enjoy the declines while they last.”

Average Riverside County Gas Price Rises 15th Day in a Row