Californians bought 3.2 percent fewer gallons of gasoline in March compared to March 2007, the state Board of Equalization reports.
Residents bought 12.4 percent less diesel in March compared to a year earlier.
“The decreased consumption reflects both the impacts of higher diesel prices and the slowing economy, which is associated with less freight movement on California roads and highways,” the Board of Equalization reported.
Autos in this state guzzled 1.3 billion gallons of gasoline during March, down 43.5 million gallons.
The average statewide price was $3.61 for a gallon of regular in March — up 16 percent from March 2007.
On Monday, the Automobile Association of Southern California reported the average price for a gallon of gas in Orange County was $4.572, up from $3.084 a year ago — a 48 percent increase. The average cost for a gallon of diesel was $5.076 a gallon, up 60 percent from a year ago.
To see how much gasoline was sold in March, CLICK HERE.
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