When gas prices are cheapest
Tired of paying so much for gas? Discover how geopolitical events, seasonal demand and crude oil prices affect your price at the pump.
Drivers preparing for Labor Day weekend can expect lower gas prices at the pump in California and across the country.
According to AAA, the average price in the state was $4,622 on Wednesday, down from $5,287 on the same day in 2023.
“For anyone who drives, it’s good news that prices are lower than last year,” says Doug Shupe, communications manager at the Auto Club’s Los Angeles office. But he adds that gas prices aren’t the deciding factor in holiday plans, which are typically made well before a holiday like Labor Day.
Gasoline in California continues to be more expensive than the national average, which was $3,361 on Wednesday, up from $3,819 a year ago, according to AAA.
Prices from district to district
There were slight price fluctuations within the state, but in Southern California they remained at about $4.60 per gallon, the AAA reported.
The average Wednesday was $4,676 in Ventura County, $4,691 in Santa Barbara County, $4,576 in Los Angeles County, $4,491 in San Bernardino County, $4,459 in Riverside County and $4,683 in San Diego County.
Prices rose as drivers headed north along the coast. In San Luis Obispo County, the average price was $4.861 per gallon, while in San Francisco County, the average price was $4.831. In the counties along the Northern California coast, the price was about $5 per gallon.
Inland, in the north and center of the state, the news was better. The average price was $4.54 per gallon in Shasta County, $4.511 in San Joaquin County, $4.596 in Tulare County and $4.594 in Fresno County.
Cheaper Gasoline in Oregon, Nevada
According to AAA figures, gasoline is cheaper in the states bordering California.
In Oregon, the average price of gasoline on Wednesday was $3.799 per gallon, compared to $4.745 a year ago.
Drivers heading to Las Vegas will find cheaper gas in Nevada. The average price was $3.968 on Wednesday. At this time, in 2023, the average was $4.49.
However, Shupe advises drivers heading from California to Las Vegas on Thursday and Friday to leave in the morning. Interstate 15, the highway from California to Nevada, will be congested in the afternoons on both days, the AAA spokesman said.
He has other tips for drivers, such as how to save gas by storing luggage in the car rather than on it.
Find the cheapest gas prices
According to gasbuddy.com, some gas stations were selling gasoline for $4.25 a gallon or less in Ventura County on Wednesday, $3.89 a gallon or less in Fresno County and $3.83 a gallon or less in Riverside County.
The website lists the cheapest gas stations across California, county by county. The stations include stations at major supermarkets like Costco and Sam’s Club, which are known for their lower gas prices.
Why are the prices low?
Lower oil prices have led to falling gasoline prices, according to USA Today. The U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate has fallen more than 10% since early July. The decline was driven by factors such as weaker oil demand in China, one of the largest consumers, and ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, said Matt Smith, oil analyst at commodities data firm Kpler.
Why is gasoline so expensive in California?
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas prices are influenced by several factors, including crude oil prices, refining costs, taxes, sales and marketing.
On August 26, the average price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States was $3.35. In California, the average price of gasoline was $4.45.
Why are gasoline prices higher in California than the rest of the country? California requires a special, more expensive blend of gasoline that reduces pollution. Another problem? According to the California Energy Commission, only 11 refineries in the state process this special blend of gasoline.
Finally, California’s high taxes also play a role. According to the Energy Information Administration, the state has the highest gasoline taxes in the country at 60 cents per gallon.
Driving tips for saving petrol
Looking for ways to save money on gas? American Automobile Association (AAA). First, AAA research has found that unless recommended or required by your car’s manufacturer, premium fuel provides no additional benefit, so choose the cheaper blend.
AAA also suggests:
- Drive slower: On the highway, air resistance at speeds above 80 km/h leads to a significant reduction in fuel consumption.
- Avoid abrupt starts and strong acceleration. These actions significantly increase fuel consumption.
- Avoid long idling times to warm up the engine, even in winter. This is unnecessary and wastes fuel.
- When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the accelerator early and let your car coast to a slower speed until it’s time to brake.
- Use cruise control to maintain a constant speed and save fuel.
- Use the air conditioning as little as possible. Even at highway speeds, open windows have less impact on fuel consumption than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor.
- In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield sunshade to reduce heat buildup inside the car. This will reduce the amount of air conditioning (and therefore fuel) needed to cool the car.
- Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car. Accelerating a heavier car requires more fuel, and fuel economy drops more in small cars than in larger models.
- Use roof racks sparingly and remove dedicated racks when not in use. On the highway, even an empty bike, canoe or ski rack can reduce fuel economy, and a loaded rack or roof box will have a significant impact on gas mileage.
Dave Mason covers East County for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at [email protected] or 805-437-0232.
This story included earlier reporting by USA TODAY’s Bailey Schulz.
