Auto Club: Local Memorial Day Travelers Will Pay Highest Gas Prices Ever For This Holiday

This upcoming Memorial Day weekend will be the most expensive one for Southern California gas prices, with drivers paying 10 to 15 cents more per gallon than they did during the previous most expensive Memorial Day holiday in 2022, according to the Auto Club's Weekend Gas Watch. Today's statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $6.14, which is the same last week and $1.26 higher than at this time last year. The national average is $4.56, which is three cents higher than last week and $1.38 higher than on this date last year.

Both in May 2022 and this year, gas prices are at near-record levels due to conflicts that constricted world oil supply - the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 and today's Iran conflict.

California's gas prices are the highest in the U.S. and it is the only state with an average price above $6 a gallon. Despite high gas prices, the Auto Club is projecting a record 3.6 million Southern Californians will travel this holiday weekend, which is 1% higher than last year.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $6.20 per gallon, two cents lower than last week and $1.40 higher than a year ago. In San Diego, the average price is $6.16, which is one cent lower than last week and $1.36 higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $6.07, down two cents from last week and $1.34 higher than a year ago. In Riverside, the average price per gallon is $6.05, two cents lower than last week and $1.38 higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $6.05 average is one cent lower than last week and $1.30 higher than one year ago.

"Southern California gas prices are within about 30 cents of their all-time record levels, but people are continuing to prioritize the importance of traveling to reconnect with family and friends this holiday," said Auto Club spokesperson Kandace Redd. "Just like during previous holidays when gas prices were higher, travelers have the option to economize in other ways such as traveling shorter distances, decreasing the number of days they travel, and picking less expensive options for meals or lodging during their journey."

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 21, 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.