Average San Diego Area Gas Price Drops To Lowest Amount Since March 8

SAN DIEGO, CA — The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County dropped Tuesday for the 48th consecutive day since rising to a record, decreasing 1.4 cents to $5.554, its lowest amount since March 8.

The average price has decreased 81.9 cents since rising to a record $6.373 on June 15, including four-tenths of a cent Monday, according to figures from the AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. The streak of decreases follows a run of 19 increases in 20 days totaling 35.5 cents.

The average price is 11.7 cents less than one week ago and 66.5 cents lower than one month ago, but $1.213 more than one year ago.

The national average price dropped for the 49th consecutive day following an 18-day streak of increases, decreasing 2.3 cents to $4.189. It has dropped 82.7 cents since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, including eight- tenths of a cent Monday, after rising 41.5 cents during the 18-day streak of increases.

The national average price is 13.8 cents less than one week ago and 63.3 cents lower than one month ago, but $1.013 more than one year ago.

"We know that most American drivers have made significant changes in their driving habits to cope with high gas prices," said Andrew Gross, an AAA national public relations manager. "But with gas below $4 a gallon at nearly half of the gas stations around the country, it's possible that gas demand could rise."

A survey of 1,002 adults conducted June 23-27 found that 64% of those surveyed changed their driving habits or lifestyle in order to offset increases in gas prices since they started to spike this spring. The top two changes were driving less and combining errands.

— City News Service