California’s gas prices are significantly higher than this time last year
The average gas price in California is nearly 50 cents higher than it was at this point last year, according to the American Automobile Association.
As of Thursday, California’s average regular gas price was $5.317, substantially above the national average of $3.642. This price maintained California’s crown as the most expensive gas state in the country.
As of Thursday, the Golden State’s mid-grade average was $5.535, while premium was $5.703 and diesel was $5.359.
May’s first week has actually seen a small decrease in prices from last month, as gas in the state is, on average, about 6 cents cheaper than on April 9.
California’s average regular gas price was $4.819 at this point of last year, however. According to the AAA, the substantial increase comes despite a lull in demand and a decrease in oil prices.
“From a demand perspective, we have entered the pre-Memorial Day funk,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And the cost of a barrel of oil is nearly $10 less than two weeks ago, as oil prices have fallen into the upper $70s. This may keep pump prices somewhat flat for the immediate future.”
The highest gas prices in California belong to the counties in the Sierra Nevada. Mono and Alpine counties are both above the $6 threshold at $6.334 and $6.799 respectively.
Southern California’s prices are well below the state average, for the most part. Averages for regular unleaded include $5.286 in Los Angeles County, $5.344 in Ventura County, $5.202 in Orange County, $5.205 in Riverside County, $5.201 in San Bernardino County and $5.297 in San Diego County.
Experts say that gas prices in California are the highest in the country for a variety of reasons, including some regional and political factors as well as plain old supply and demand.
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