November 17, 2014 - A welcome decline in state gas prices has fueled Californian’s spirits with yet another double-digit drop in prices registering at $ 3.21 on average for a gallon of unleaded gasoline today - that’s $0.38 cheaper than prices since AAA Northern California’s latest monthly gas survey of October 14. California leads the year-to-year decline nationwide with almost $0.40 drop in gas prices.
Northern California’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.19-that’s $0.39 less than last month’s AAA reported price on October 14. The highest recorded price ever registered in the state of California was in October 2012, at $4.67 a gallon for unleaded regular.
The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Marysville, where regular unleaded gasoline is $2.93 per gallon. Of all metro areas tracked by AAA in Northern California, Yreka continues to register the highest price at $3.52 per gallon of unleaded regular.
“Absent of any unanticipated market-moving events this winter, the retail price for gasoline is expected to remain relatively low,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “As consumers adjust to falling oil prices, California motorists can enjoy some of the lowest prices during a holiday season since 2009.”
The national average price of gas has dropped for 46 days in a row, a cumulative decline of which is the longest consecutive decline since 2008. Today’s national average for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.93 per gallon, which is the lowest price since Dec. 4, 2010.
Fueling the decline in gas prices has been the multi-month drop in crude oil costs with prices for West Texas Intermediate down to a multi-year low of $77.19 per barrel last Tuesday. Adding momentum to falling prices last week was an unexpected move by Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, to lower the price per barrel for crude sold to the United States. Market watchers are now focused on the upcoming meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) with analysts paying close attention to how the cartel will respond to falling global prices.
To get the best mileage possible, AAA recommends keeping tires at the recommended pressure suggested by the vehicle manufacturer, performing routine maintenance and making sure fluids are clean and belts and hoses are in good repair. The way you drive can also impact fuel economy. Smooth driving to avoid sudden stops and starts, combining trips and lightening a vehicle’s load also help to conserve gasoline.
AAA Fuel Gauge Report is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available, with over 100,000 self-serve stations surveyed every day, nationwide. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Group and Wright Express, LLC.
AAA Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to more than 4.1 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded 114 years ago.
