Gas Prices Cooling Down Throughout Northern California, AAA Monthly Gas Survey Shows; But San Francisco, Eureka, and Lake Tahoe At or Near Record Highs
17 October 2000
Gas Prices Cooling Down Throughout Northern California, AAA Monthly Gas Survey Shows; But San Francisco, Eureka, and Lake Tahoe At or Near Record Highs
SAN FRANCISCO--Oct. 17, 2000--Despite high crude oil prices and Middle East unrest, California motorists are starting to see gas prices beginning to drift downward throughout the state, AAA reported today.The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded self-serve gas in Northern California is $1.95, down 3 cents from last month's record high, but 46 cents higher than last October, according to AAA's monthly gas survey.
The statewide average is $1.85, down a penny from September, with Southern California reporting $1.80. Lake Tahoe reluctantly claims the highest price in the state at $2.10, followed by San Francisco and Eureka at $2.06. The average in Salinas is $1.86, which is the lowest reporting price in Northern California for the month.
Nationally, AAA's Fuel Gauge Report shows the average price at $1.55, down 3 cents from last month, but up 26 cents from last year.
"Historically, we have seen gradual declines at the pumps after Labor Day," said Bronwyn Hogan, spokeswoman for AAA. "This year, due to high crude prices and Middle East tensions, unfortunately we expect gas prices to remain at or near their current annoyingly high levels through the rest of the year."
With crude oil prices hovering near $33 per barrel, what is an acceptable market price for oil? According to Alan Kovski, oil analyst and managing editor of Energy Business Watch, "The ideal fair market value range for crude oil is between $18 and 28 per barrel. That price is high enough to reward oil companies to explore, drill, refine and distribute gasoline, yet low enough to encourage consumer consumption."
To help motorists save fuel and money, AAA has produced "The Gas Watcher's Guide," available on the Web at www.aaa.com or available in brochure form at many AAA district offices.
"Whether California is experiencing high or low gas prices, AAA continues to urge motorists to make certain their vehicles are in peak operating condition to achieve maximum fuel economy, and make fuel-efficient driving and commute alternatives a top priority this winter," adds AAA spokeswoman Hogan.
Nor. California Average (selected cities): $1.95 California State-wide average: $1.85 Light Crude Oil: $32.95/barrel (10/17/00) So. California (selected cities): $1.80 National Average: $1.55 AAA MONTHLY GAS PRICE AVERAGE BY CITY, OCTOBER 17 Chico $1.86 down 12 cents Concord $1.91 down 3 cents Eureka $2.06 up 1 cent Fremont $1.94 down 1 cent Fresno $1.90 down 4 cents Lake Tahoe $2.10 up 5 cents Marysville $1.96 down 6 cents Modesto $1.89 down 3 cents Monterey $1.89 down 1 cent Oakland $1.98 down 2 cents Pleasanton $1.98 down 4 cents Redding $1.92 down 7 cents Sacramento $1.92 down 2 cents Salinas $1.84 down 2 cents San Francisco $2.06 down 1 cent San Jose $1.97 up 1 cent San Mateo $2.04 unchanged San Rafael $1.98 down 2 cents Santa Cruz $1.95 down 2 cents Santa Rosa $1.92 unchanged Stockton $1.93 down 3 cents Tracy $1.89 down 2 cents Ukiah $2.01 down 11 cents Vallejo $1.92 down 1 cent Yreka $2.00 down 18 cents
Established 100 years ago, AAA offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. The California State Automobile Association serves 4 million members and is the second largest regional affiliate of the national AAA organization. AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available, with over 60,000 self-serve stations surveyed nationally every day. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Group and Wright Express, LLC.
Note to Editors: The current AAA 14-month gas price average for 32 California cities and regions, and surrounding states is available by calling 415-565-2293 or 415-565-2290.