Gas prices continue to creep downward — and traffic continues to slow (SEE BELOW) — in Orange County and elsewhere in this region, the Automobile Club of Southern California reports.
Since peaking on June 19, the average price of a gallon of regular in Orange County has declined almost 15 cents. In the past week, prices fell 6.3 cents.
On Friday, the price of a gallon of regular in Orange County was $4.452, down from an all-time high of $4.598.
A spokesman for AAA said prices are probably falling because of a new economic reality: less demand.
“Decreased demand finally may be playing a role in helping to bring down local gas prices,” said Auto Club spokesperson Jeffrey Spring. “Motorists are reducing the amount that they drive, and they can save even more money on fuel just by driving the speed limit, particularly on the freeways.”
Unlike gasoline prices, diesel has been inching up. Today, AAA reports an Orange County average of $5.150 a gallon. The record was set May 30 at $5.164.
The prices on the chart below were based on Thursday’s numbers. To see the latest AAA figures, CLICK HERE.
| rea | Regular | One-week change | Record | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L.A./Long Beach | $4.508 | - 5.6 cents | $4.626 (6/21) | |
| Orange County | $4.461 | - 6.3 cents | $4.598 (6/19) | |
| San Diego | $4.473 | - 5.3 cents | $4.630 (6/19) | |
| Santa Barbara | $4.604 | - 2.1 cents | $4.709 (6/21) | |
| Inland Empire | $4.483 | - 4.5 cents | $4.614 (6/22) | |
| Bakersfield | $4.521 | - 3.1 cents | $4.591 (6/24) | |
| Las Vegas | $4.208 | - 2.5 cents | $4.279 (6/21) |
And on the lighter side, if drivers slow down any more to save on gas, they might see more skateboarders, like this dude — courtesy of my Beach Blogger colleague Laylan Connelly — who recently shredded down the 405 Freeway.
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Keep conserving your gas and prices will go down further!
Lets all thank President Bush and lets put pressure on the tax loving Al Gore liberals to open up more oil fields including oil shale.
We should really try to find alternative ways of conserving gas and getting around town. I bet oil prices will continue to fall.
Oil’s virtual monopoly is the source f the problem. There are a multitude of alternative fuels which have been over regulated and suppressed by big oil. No more drilling, alternative fuels is the answer.
I am sure all of the station closings had nothing to do with reducing compitition and constricting supplies. Just look at all of the empty corners in Orange County. The oil companies saw this coming a long time ago.