Southern California gas prices moved up slightly in most areas to start the new year, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.71, which is six cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.09, which is three cents higher than a week ago.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.76 per gallon, which is two cents higher than last week, 15 cents lower than last month, and 23 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.78, which is the same as last week, 16 cents lower than last month, and 22 cents more than this time last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.74, which is two cents lower than last week, 21 cents lower than last month, and 21 cents more than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.61, which is four cents higher than last week, 13 cents lower than last month and 22 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.78 average price is two cents higher than last week, 24 cents lower than last month, and 24 cents higher than a year ago today.
“Southern California started 2024 with the highest gas prices ever for this time of year,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices rose rapidly last week on news of possible refinery problems, but dropped again this week as more supply became available on the wholesale market.”
The Auto Club reminds drivers of the following tips to save money on gas:
- If you use premium unleaded fuel, make sure it is required for your vehicle, not just recommended. The Auto Club's Automotive Research Center found that vehicles with recommended premium fuel performed safely with regular unleaded gasoline.
- 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. Fuel economy peaks around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speed increases. Reducing freeway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%.
- 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 heavy items from your car.
- Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use.
- Download the AAA 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 Jan. 4, averages are:
