EMERYVILLE (KRON) — Bay Area motorists planning a summer road trip can expect to continue to pay more to fill up their gas tank compared with the rest of the nation. But prices at the pump are beginning to stabilize, according to AAA on Tuesday.
While the price for retail gasoline has fallen from a month ago, prices in California continue to reign over national averages, with Bay Area prices among the highest, said AAA.
Statewide the average for regular unleaded stands at $3.59, down $0.14 from a month ago. Nationally, the average is $2.75 per gallon.
Of all metro areas tracked by AAA in Northern California, San Francisco has the highest price at $3.66 a gallon for regular unleaded, a drop of $0.16 from a month ago. Figures show Marysville in Yuba County has the least expensive prices in Northern California with an average of $3.14 per gallon.
“Prices on the West Coast are stabilizing due to a surge in imports that have helped to offset supply issues stemming from refinery problems,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. The auto club adds however, that there are a number of factors that could push prices higher this summer, including political issues in the oil rich Middle East or a major hurricane that disrupts gasoline production.
To get the best mileage possible for your vehicle, AAA says motorists should keep tires at the recommended pressure, perform routine maintenance and make sure fluids are clean and belts and hoses are in good condition. Other tips include avoiding sudden stops and starts, combining trips, and lightening a vehicle’s load.