Bakersfield is now the only Southern California metropolitan area that has not yet set a new record high gasoline price this week, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.73, which is a new record for the state and five cents higher than last week. The average national price is $3.52, which is four cents higher than a week ago.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.78 per gallon, which is three cents higher than last week, ten cents higher than last month, $1.22 higher than last year and a new price record. In San Diego, the average price is $4.74, which is also a new price record and four cents higher than last week, 11 cents higher than last month, and $1.20 higher than last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.71, which is four cents higher than last week, ten cents higher than last month, $1.22 higher than last year, and just a fraction of a cent below the all-time record price set yesterday. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.70, which is four cents higher than last week, nine cents higher than last month, $1.22 higher than last year and a new record price. In Bakersfield, the $4.63 average price is four cents more than last Thursday, two cents higher than last month, $1.23 higher than a year ago today and three cents lower than the record price.
“Oil prices continue to push toward $100 a barrel, but Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices have plunged by about 14 cents a gallon since Monday, so we could see pump prices pause or drop soon if that trend continues,” said Auto Club spokesman Doug Shupe. “With premium fuel prices now averaging over $5 a gallon in many areas, the Auto Club urges drivers to double-check their vehicle owner manuals to find out if premium fuel is required or just recommended. If it is just recommended, regular unleaded gas is safe to use, according to the Auto Club’s Automotive Research Center.”
Other Auto Club tips to save on fuel include:
- Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.
- Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.
- Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
- Slow down and drive the speed limit. Higher speeds result in more aerodynamic drag.
- Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because you could lose control of the vehicle.
- Minimize your use of air conditioning.
- Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in colder temperatures. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
- Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car.
- Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use.
- Download the AAA Mobile app to find the cheapest gas prices near you.
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 17, averages are:
