LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose Thursday for the seventh consecutive day after dropping six of the previous seven days, increasing three-tenths of a cent to $4.873.

The average price has risen 4.5 cents over the past seven days, including one-tenth of a cent Wednesday, which Doug Shupe, the Automobile Club of Southern California’s corporate communications manager, attributes to higher demand prompted by the Memorial Day weekend.

The average price dropped 2.4 cents during its run of six decreases in seven days, according to figures from the AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. Despite the streak of increases, the average price is 5.3 cents less than one month ago and $1.218 lower than one year ago.

The average price has dropped $1.621 since rising to a record $6.494 on Oct. 5.

The Orange County average price rose for the sixth time in seven days, increasing a half-cent to $4.839. It has risen 5 cents over the past seven days, including eight-tenths of a cent Wednesday. It increased for three consecutive days, including 2.6 cents Friday, before dropping one-tenth of a cent on Monday, then resumed increasing Tuesday.

The Orange County average price is 4.6 cents less than one month ago and $1.222 lower than one year ago. It has dropped $1.62 since rising to a record $6.459 on Oct. 5.

The national average price rose 1.3 cents to $3.574, one day after a 1.8-cent increase, its largest since a 2.4-cent increase April 13. It is 3.8 cents more than one week ago but 8.2 cents less than one month ago and $1.025 lower than one year ago.

The national average price has dropped $1.442 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14.