State’s Gasoline Prices Rise for 6th Week

California’s average retail gasoline price rose for the sixth consecutive week, climbing 2.6 cents to $2.176 for a gallon of self-serve regular in the week ended Monday, a federal survey showed.

The statewide average pump price has risen 24.4 cents since mid-January, according to the weekly survey by the Energy Department. A year ago, California’s average gas price was 6.7 cents per gallon lower.

Gasoline prices have been pushed higher by rising crude oil prices and by seasonal refinery maintenance. Nationwide, the average pump price rose 2.3 cents to $1.928 a gallon in the latest week.

From a Times Staff Writer

* The cost of funds index for savings institutions in the Federal Home Loan Bank’s 11th District edged up in January to 2.183% from 2.118% in December. The index is a popular benchmark for adjustable-rate mortgages on the West Coast and tends to lag behind changes in market interest rates by months.