Auto Club: Gas Prices Relatively Steady As Summer Driving Season Winds Down

Southern California drivers are seeing little change in gas prices this week, with prices remaining relatively steady at the pump, according to the Auto Club's Weekend Gas Watch. Gas prices typically begin to decline this time of year as the back-to-school season begins and summer driving demand winds down.

Today's statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $5.58, unchanged from last week and $1.09 higher than this time last year. The national average is $4.10, which is three cents higher than last week and 97 cents higher than on this date last year.

At $5.58, California continues to have the highest gas prices in the nation. Hawaii ranks second at $5.42, followed by Washington at $5.24.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.64 per gallon, one cent lower than last week and $1.17 higher than a year ago. In San Diego, the average price is $5.69, one cent higher than last week and $1.15 higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.63, three cents lower than last week and $1.18 higher than a year ago. In Riverside, the average price per gallon is $5.53, unchanged from last week and $1.22 higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the average is $5.64, unchanged from last week and $1.19 higher than last year.

"Crude oil prices are once again approaching the $90 per barrel range amid continued uncertainty along the Strait of Hormuz and the conflict in the Middle East," said Auto Club spokesperson Kandace Redd. "Gas prices remain volatile, so motorists should continue looking for ways to stretch their fuel dollars. Keeping tires properly inflated, avoiding excessive idling and combining errands are simple steps that can help reduce fuel consumption and save money at the pump."