Auto Club: SoCal Gas Prices Back Off, Start Dropping After Reaching Near-Record Levels

California's early sales of winter-blend gasoline have helped gas prices reverse course and begin dropping, according to the Auto Club's Weekend Gas Watch. Today's statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $6.34, which is six cents lower than last week and $1.68 higher than at this time last year. The national average is $4.36, which is five cents lower than last week and $1.25 higher than on this date last year.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $6.38 per gallon, which is five cents lower than last week and $1.66 higher than a year ago. In San Diego, the average price is $6.37, which is five cents less than last week and $1.59 higher than this time last year.

In Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc, the average price is $6.35, which is four cents below last week and $1.72 higher than a year ago. In Riverside, the average price per gallon is $6.25, seven cents lower than last week and $1.64 higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $6.33 average is one cent lower than last week and $1.74 higher than one year ago.

"According to Oil Price Information Service, Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices have plummeted in the last week after the early switch to winter blend and West Coast refiners have ramped up their production, so that could mean more significant pump price decreases in coming days," said Auto Club spokesperson Kandace Redd.

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Oct. 8, averages are:

The Auto Club recommends these tips for drivers to save money on fuel:

• Optimize your fuel economy with steady speeds, no hard braking, and no "jackrabbit starts."
• Don't haul extra weight in the passenger compartment or trunk, which reduces fuel economy.
• Properly maintain your vehicle and keep tires properly inflated according to the pressure listed in your owner's manual, which will optimize fuel economy.
• Use the recommended fuel for your vehicle, and don't use mid-grade or premium unless it is specifically recommended in your owner's manual. AAA research shows the higher-grade fuel offers no extra benefit for vehicles that aren't required to use it.
• Look into discounts. AAA members who sign up for the Shell Fuel Rewards Program at AAA.com/Shell can save 30 cents a gallon on their first fill-up, and five cents a gallon on all other fill-ups. Other retailers such as grocery stores also offer fuel discount programs, and some credit cards offer gas discounts.
• If your household has more than one vehicle, use the most fuel-efficient one as much as possible.
• Consolidate errands to reduce mileage and avoid driving during peak hours when traffic congestion will reduce your fuel efficiency.