Price of gas dips slightly
Motorists caught a bit of a break in the last month as gas prices in the North State have dipped by an average of 10 cents, AAA Insurance reported.
The average price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline in Northern California is $4.23, according to the survey results released Tuesday.
That is down an average of 10 cents from the previous survey, AAA reported.
Statewide, the price also dropped about 10 cents to $4.26, but is still 10 cents higher than it was at the same time last year, AAA reported.
"Crude oil prices are declining as weak U.S. jobs data and reports that Iran might be open to compromise on its nuclear enrichment program both put downward pressure on oil prices," AAA spokesman Matt Skryia said in a statement.
"These types of factors impact oil prices, and therefore gas prices, because investors' buying activity continues to be the dominate influence on prices," Skryia added. "Investors look for any real, or perceived, impacts to supply and demand. This evaluation of factors is done on a global stage, given that oil is traded internationally."
The Ukiah survey area experienced the sharpest decline in the North State, with the price falling an average of 18 cents since the last report. The average price of a gallon of gasoline is $4.07.
The Salinas area fell 15 cents to $4.15, and the Marysville survey area saw a decline of 14 cents to $4.11.
The Sacramento area fell an average of 13 cents ($4.15), as did the survey areas that include Fremont ($4.20), Fresno ($4.18) and Pleasanton ($4.28).
The Chico survey showed an average decline of 8 cents to $4.18 per gallon, and the Redding area had an average price of $4.17, down 10 cents.
Only the Eureka survey area experienced an increase in the average price of gas, up 3 cents to $4.50 per gallon, AAA reported. That is the highest price anywhere in the lower 48 states.
Nationally, the average price of gasoline increased 11 cents to $3.92 per gallon, which is 15 cents higher than the same time last year.
The highest price for a gallon of gasoline was in Wailuku, Hawaii, at $4.85 per gallon. The cheapest was in Casper, Wyo., at $3.45 per gallon.
