Southern California gas prices surpassed their levels from a year ago in many areas, including Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside but have remained stable for three days in a row, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.26, which is eight cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.84, which is four cents lower than a week ago.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.36 per gallon, which is nine cents higher than last week, 38 cents higher than last month, and four cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.35, which is 11 cents higher than last week, 40 cents higher than last month, and seven cents higher than last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.27, which is eight cents higher than last week, 35 cents higher than last month, and 20 cents lower than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.16, which is 11 cents higher than last week, 40 cents higher than last month and five cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.16 average price is seven cents higher than last week, 30 cents higher than last month, and 24 cents lower than a year ago today.
"High wholesale prices continue to put upward pressure on pump prices. Fortunately, California refineries didn't report shutdowns because of last weekend’s storm," explained Doug Shupe, spokesperson for the Auto Club. "Drivers planning road trips for the upcoming Labor Day weekend can expect gas prices to be similar to last year."
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 Aug. 24, averages are:
