Southern California gas prices continue to drop despite some state tax and clean fuel policy changes that are expected to add to pump prices, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.56, which is six cents lower than a week ago and 23 cents lower than a year ago today. The average national price is $3.16, which is six cents higher than a week ago and 35 cents lower than on this date last year.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.56 per gallon, which is five cents lower than last week and 22 cents less than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.62, which is three cents lower than last week and 20 cents lower than this time last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.52, which is four cents less than last week and 39 cents lower than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.40, which is four cents less than last week and 30 cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.52 average price is five cents lower than last week and 32 cents lower than a year ago today.
“Oil prices continue to trade at about $65 a barrel after the Middle East ceasefire, putting downward pressure on gas prices locally and nationwide,” said Auto Club spokesperson Doug Shupe. “While California’s fuel excise tax increased by 1.6 cents a gallon on Tuesday and a new state fuel air quality requirement also took effect Tuesday, pump prices have continued to drop so far.”
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on July 3, averages are:
