While most of the country gets a Christmas present of gasoline near $2 a gallon, Los Angeles drivers are getting coal in their stockings. Pump prices in the U.S.’s second-biggest city have gained 17 cents in the past week to $2.92 a gallon, the highest of any metro area in the Continental U.S., according to AAA. In the wholesale market, California-blend gasoline surged to a four-month high versus New York futures as refinery breakdowns reduced supply. “Gas prices have been higher than the rest of the country for most of the year and its painful to see that trend continue during the holiday season,” Michael Green, AAA spokesman, said in a phone interview. “No one wants gas prices to be the Grinch that stole Christmas.” The jump in prices comes as a record 100.5 million people are expected to travel this holiday. Driving demand amid an improved labor market, […]