LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose three-tenths of a cent Monday to $4.646, one day after increasing two-tenths of a cent.

The average price has risen seven of the past eight days, increasing 8.6 cents to its highest amount since Dec. 11, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 8.2 cents more than a week ago, 12.6 cents more than one month ago, but 9.5 cents less than one year ago.

The average price has dropped $1.848 since rising to a record $6.494 on Oct. 5.

The Orange County average price rose four-tenths of a cent to $4.604, its highest amount since Dec. 7. It has risen seven of the past eight days, increasing 11.2 cents, including 1.1 cents Sunday. It is 11 cents more than a week ago, 16 cents more than one month ago, but 11.1 cents less than one year ago.

The Orange County average price has dropped $1.855 since rising to a record $6.459 on Oct. 5.

The main reasons for the rising prices “are higher crude oil prices worldwide, more expensive summer-blend fuel entering the market before the April 1 mandate for it to be in the market and increased demand as parts of the state and nation warm up, leading more people to venture out and take road trips,” Doug Shupe, the Automobile Club of Southern California’s corporate communications manager, told City News Service.

The national average price fell for the ninth consecutive day following a 17-day streak of increases, dropping a half-cent to $3.47. It is 3.8 cents less than one week ago and 18 cents less than one month ago and 3.1 cents higher than one year ago.

The national average price has decreased 4 cents over the past nine days after rising 24.3 cents during the 17-day streak of increases. It has dropped $1.546 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14.