(LOS ANGELES, September 5, 2003) After enduring a late summer of skyrocketing gasoline prices, Southern California motorists finally have begun seeing some minor relief, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California�s Weekend Gas Watch.
Currently, the average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in the Los AngelesLong Beach area is $2.129 per gallon, down eight-tenths of a cent from last week, 45 cents higher than last month and 50 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the price is $ 2.1771, which is six-tenths of a cent below last week�s level, 46 cents above than last month and 50 cents higher than last year. Motorists in the central coast pay an average price of $2.228, which is five tenths of a cent lower than last week�s price, 45 cents above than last month and 53 cents higher than last year.
"With the end of the summer driving season, demand has dropped significantly and wholesale prices are moving lower," said Carol Thorp, Auto Club spokesperson. "There is usually a lag of about a week between the movement of wholesale prices and retail prices. Over the next couple of weeks we should see prices at the pump drop quicker."
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline at popular destinations for motoring trips.
Average prices as of 12:01 a.m., Sept. 5:
Area | Regular | Change from last week | Record Price |
Los AngelesLong Beach | $2.129 | -0.8 cents | $2.167 (3/22/03) |
San Diego | $2.171 | -0.6 cents | $2.211 (3/20/03) |
Santa BarbaraSanta MariaLompoc | $2.228 | -0.5 cents | $2.233 (8/27/03)* |
Las Vegas, NV | $1.959 | -0.3 cents | $2.063 (3/25/03) |
Phoenix-Mesa, AZ | $2.081 | -4.8 cents | $2.146 (8/26/03)* |
* Indicates price is a new record |
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