October Gas Prices Drop Sharply in Northern California; Up Slightly in Nevada, Says CSAA

1 November 1996

The California State Automobile Association (CSAA), providers of automotive, travel, financial, and insurance services to customers in California, Utah, and Nevada, reports that retail gasoline prices in California have dropped significantly.

According to a survey from 28 October, the price for self-serve unleaded gasoline in Northern California averages at $1.36 per gallon, down from $1.47 as reported in their Fuel Guage Survey from 19 September.

The prices from city to city in Northern California, however, vary dramatically. In Oakland, the average is $1.39, nine cents lower than the previous month. San Francisco's average dropped seven cents to $1.38, the Sacramento average fell eight cents to $1.34, and in San Jose, prices dropped from $1.40 to $1.32.

On a broader perspective, PR NEWSWIRE reports that CSAA spokesman Ron Kennedy said that ``regional gas prices are 10 to 15 cents per gallon higher this October compared to one year ago and remain higher than the national average of $1.26 for self-serve unleaded.'' Kennedy also states that ``gas prices in northern California appear to be taking their usual autumn drop with the end of the summer driving season and less demand for gasoline.''

Nevada's statewide average, on the other hand, increased three cents from $1.39 in September to $1.42 in October. In Las Vegas and Reno, the price rose a penny from last month to reach $1.36 and $1.46.

The Auto Channel