California gas prices continue to soar, rising three cents since yesterday, but experts say relief could be in sight
Gas prices across the U.S. continue to spike, climbing to an average of $5.72 a gallon Friday for regular unleaded fuel in California and setting a new national record, but some experts say the pacing could be slowing down in the next coming days.
The national average also increased two cents, from $4.31 a gallon to $4.33, with drivers paying nearly a dollar more than they did a month ago.
“For now, average gas prices should start slowing down noticeably over the next 2-4 days,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, on Twitter. “They may stabilize and some areas may see small drops. But the situation remains fluids, so it could change quickly.”
RELIEF? For now, average #gasprices should start slowing noticeably over the next 2-4 days- they may stabilize, and some areas may see small drops. But the situation remains fluid, so it could change quickly. But good news.
— Patrick De Haan ⛽️📊 (@GasBuddyGuy) March 11, 2022
Gas prices moved up from $5.69 a gallon Thursday to $5.72 Friday across California. In San Francisco, the average went from $5.82 to $5.85. Similar spikes were seen around the Bay Area, with average prices going from $5.72 to $5.77 in San Jose, $5.75 to $5.79 in Oakland, $5.61 to $5.67 in Santa Cruz/Watsonville and $5.91 to $5.92 a gallon in San Rafael.
The Golden State has the highest fuel prices in the country, partially due to high gas taxes and environmental regulations for repairing bridges and roads and battling climate change. Gov. Gavin Newsom pledged financial relief to try to help people during the rising gas prices, but few details have been released on how much or when state money could go to motorists.
The national average surged past the $4 per gallon mark Saturday and on Tuesday, it surpassed the record high of $4.103, a record set in 2008. Gas prices have hiked after sanctions on Russian commodities during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. President Joe Biden announced Tuesday a ban on Russian oil imports as the invasion continued to drive prices up.
“This is a milestone that was hard to imagine happening so quickly, but with bipartisan support of severe sanctions on Russia, is not exactly surprising — it is the cost of choking off Russia from energy revenue,” said De Haan. “As Russia’s war on Ukraine continues to evolve and we head into a season where gas prices typically increase, Americans should prepare to pay more for gas than they ever have before.”
San Jose’s east side has some of the cheapest gas prices in the region, in addition to other portions of the South Bay and East Bay, according to a map of Bay Area prices from GasBuddy. A gas station called Moe’s Stop were offering regular fuel at $4.99 a gallon Friday at two locations in San Jose. Meanwhile, gas prices hovered around $5.19 in San Leandro and Milpitas while a station in Oakland’s Fruitvale District was selling gas at $4.99 a gallon. Some of the steepest prices were in San Francisco and along the Peninsula, with one station charging $5.99 a gallon.
In the wake of surging prices, AAA has offered some tips to try and save fuel:
- Slow down and go easy on the brake. Speeding wastes fuel, and so does hard braking and acceleration.
- Clear out your trunk. Carrying heavy items reduces fuel mileage.
- Avoid idling, if you can.
- Inflate your tires to the proper air pressure.
- Consolidate trips and drive less. Use the most fuel-efficient car in your household to run errands.
