AAA says the average price for a gallon of gasoline in the southern valley will continue to rise following the explosion of an Exxon refinery in Torrance.

Marie Montgomery is with the auto club and says, as of Thursday, gas prices have already increased two cents in Bakersfield because of the blast.

“This is going to affect supply in Bakersfield and other southern California areas, but we don’t know how much,” she said.

She also says the switch to summer blend gasoline will also push prices higher. Gas is selling for about $2.81 in Bakersfield.

– Anthony Pollreisz