The average price has risen 19 consecutive days and is 12.6 cents more than a week ago and 29.3 cents more than last month, but $1.396 less than at this time last year and $1.983 less than the record high of $4.63 set last June 19.
The average price is at its highest since Nov. 7 when it was $2.654, according to figures provided by the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
The average price rose 2 cents Wednesday, 2.3 cents Thursday and 2.6 cents Friday.
"Investors and traders continue to drive this market upward based on the anticipation that demand domestically and globally will increase in the coming months," said Jeffrey Spring of the Automobile Club of Southern California.
"However, industry analysts indicated that consumer demand remains relatively flat and supply is still good. We'll have to see if this increase will continue through the summer."
