Got Cheaper Gas? Spots Near Danville to Fill-up for Less

As if tax season weren't bad enough for your wallet, now gas prices have skyrocketed too.

The average price for a gallon of unleaded regular in Northern California has risen to $4.17, a 27-cent leap from a month ago, according the California State Automobile Association's monthly gas price survey  released Tuesday.

In the East Bay, the average price has jumped to $4.24, a 28-cent hike from a month ago. A year ago, the average price in the East Bay was $3.10.

The rise in gas prices has occurred despite the fact the demand for gasoline has decreased across the United States the past couple weeks.

Officials at AAA say the weak U.S. dollar as well as unrest in Libya, Syria, Yemen and other Middle East countries is helping to fuel the rise.

However, they say the biggest cause is speculators on the commodities market.

"Investors continue to be the largest force driving the market price for oil," said Matt Skryja, an AAA Northern California spokesman. "Instability in the Middle East and North Africa still has them concerned about the world's supply of crude, which has helped keep oil prices on the rise."

So, where can you find the cheapest gas near your house?

We looked up local spots at GasBuddy, and found these are your best bets for filling up and saving a few dollars (all prices are for regular gas, check GasBuddy for midgrade, diesel, etc.). Some gas stations even give discounts of a few cents off each gallon if you pay with cash, like 76 and Texaco in Danville.

Prices as of 6:00pm Tuesday, April 12.

Alamo

• Rotten Robbie, $4.17. 1465 Danville Blvd.
  
• Shell, $4.21. 3188 Danville Blvd. 

Danville

• ARCO, $4.06. 1 Boone Ct.
• 76, $4.19 (less 10 cents if you pay cash). 744 San Ramon Valley Blvd.
• Texaco, $4.19 (less 7 cents if you pay cash). 3500 Camino Tassajara.

San Ramon

• PCF, $4.04. 1990 San Ramon Valley Blvd.
• ARCO, $4.07, 12105 Alcosta Blvd.
• Safeway, $4.09. 11050 Bollinger Canyon Rd.

AAA also offers text alerts for low gas prices in the area. 

Patch Associate Regional Editor David Mills contributed to this story.