Gas Prices Fall, RSM Residents Still Feeling Pain At Pump

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Orange County dropped for the 16th consecutive day, decreasing 1.7 cents to $5.772.

It has dropped 25.7 cents over the past 16 days, including 1.4 cents Wednesday. The streak follows a run of 37 increases in 38 days totaling $1.279 to a record $6.029 March 29.

As of Thursday morning, the cheapest gas in Rancho Santa Margarita fell to $5.65 per gallon, cash price, at the Arco station on 29880 Santa Margarita Pkwy., according to www.GasBuddy.com.

The Orange County average price is 10.2 cents less than one week ago and 1.7 cents lower than one month ago but $1.819 more than one year ago.

It's not enough, according to state lawmakers, who are attempting to pass the California Gas Rebate, as proposed by California State Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine).

"We know too many Californians are struggling to make ends meet right now," Petrie-Norris said during last month's news conference. "We are here to offer help; we are here to deliver solutions."

Now known as Assembly Bill 1616, the proposed rebate would draw from the $9 billion of the state's budget surplus to send a one-time rebate to every California taxpayer – regardless of whether or not they own a car.

Individual filers would be eligible for $400. Joint filers would be eligible for $800.

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County also dropped Thursday for the 17th consecutive day, decreasing 1.4 cents to $5.818.

The average price has dropped 25.2 cents over the past 17 days, including 1.7 cents Wednesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. The average price rose $1.283 to a record $6.07 during a 32-day streak of increases that ended March 27.

The average price is 10.3 cents less than one week ago and nine-tenths of a cent lower than one month ago but $1.837 higher than one year ago.