Up Up and Away

The average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose Thursday for the 16th consecutive day, increasing 1.2 cents to $2.326.
  
The average price has risen 19.6 cents over the past 16 days, according to figures from the AAA and the Oil Price Information Service.
  
The Orange County average price also rose for the 16th consecutive day, increasing a half-cent to $2.325 -- 21 cents more then when the trend of rising prices began.
  
Prices are in the midst of their "traditional" spring increase, said Marie Montgomery of the Automobile Club of Southern California.
  
"Fortunately, it seems to be very gradual at this point," Montgomery said.
  
Factors contributing to the spring increase is the required switch to summer blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce, and the 1-cent sales tax increase that went into effect last Wednesday, Montgomery said.