Southern California drivers filling up at the pump last weekend saw some gas price increases, but now prices are dropping again after some decreases in Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.88, which is the same for two weeks in a row. The average national price is $3.59, 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 $4.94 per gallon, which is two cents lower than last week, ten cents higher than last month, and $1.52 lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.91, which is one cent lower than last week, eight cents higher than last month, and $1.46 lower than last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.94, which is two cents higher than last week, nine cents higher than last month, and $1.42 lower than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.83, which is one cent lower than last week, seven cents higher than last month and $1.50 lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.89 average price is two cents higher than last week, five cents higher than last month, and $1.47 lower than a year ago today.
“Summer is typically the time of year with the highest demand for gasoline, and usually big price decreases do not occur during this season,” said Auto Club spokesperson Doug Shupe. “However, Arizona price averages have been dropping significantly since late last month as a supply issue has been resolved. That could help ease pressure on Southern California refineries that are also producing Arizona fuel, perhaps also providing some price relief locally.”
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 June 15, averages are:
