Local gas prices have inched back up almost as high as they were a month ago because of continued higher oil prices, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.89, which is four cents higher than last week. The average national price is $3.65, which is ten cents higher than a week ago.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.94 per gallon, which is four cents higher than last week, one cent lower than last month, and 89 cents lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.94, which is four cents more than last week, one cent lower than last month, and 85 cents lower than last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.90, which is two cents higher than last week, one cent lower than last month, and 95 cents lower than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.84, which is four cents higher than last week, three cents lower than last month and 92 cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.88 average price is two cents less than last week, four cents less than last month, and 93 cents lower than a year ago today.
"Oil prices are hovering above $80 a barrel after plunging to a one-year low point of $72 for Brent crude and $66 for West Texas Intermediate crude in mid-March," said Auto Club spokesperson Doug Shupe. "Since oil costs make up about half the cost of producing gasoline, this has pushed up pump prices in California and around the country."
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 April 13, averages are:
