The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County rose Wednesday to its highest amount since Oct. 6, 2023, increasing 2.5 cents to $6.037 amid the continuing conflict with Iran.
Local gas prices have increased for the last eight days, rising 18.5 cents, including 2.3 cents on Tuesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
The average local price is 17.8 cents more than a week ago, 10.4 cents higher than one month ago and $1.271 above what it was one year ago.
It’s the local impact of rising world oil prices amid Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. blockade of ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.
The price for a barrel of international-standard Brent crude to be delivered in June rose again Wednesday, up 5% to $116.80. Brent for delivery in July, which is where more of the trading is happening in the oil market, rose 4.9% to $109.51.
Brent’s price is approaching its high point of the Iranian conflict, slightly above $119 per barrel, and is well above its roughly $70 level before the war began.
Meanwhile, U.S. Navy ships — many of them from San Diego — continue to block Iranian ports to cut off that country’s trade and force negotiations.
The U.S. Central Command drew attention on Tuesday to one port, Chah Bahar outside the strait on the Gulf of Oman. Centcom reported that prior to the U.S. blockade five ships were moored or anchored there on an average day, but now there are more than 20.
City News Service and The Associated Press contributed to this article.
