Auto Club: State Gas Price Average Steady As Summer Demand Remains Strong

Following five consecutive weeks of the state fuel price average dropping, California's gas price average is holding steady according to the Auto Club's Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.48, which is the same price when compared to a week ago and 17 cents lower than a year ago today. The average national price is $3.15, which is one cent lower compared to a week ago and 34 cents lower than on this date last year.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.47 per gallon, which is one cent lower than last week and 15 cents less than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.54, which is two cents lower than last week and 20 cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.44, which is two cents less than last week and 35 cents lower than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.31, which is two cents less than last week and 25 cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the average price is $4.46, which is one cent less compared to last week and 27 cents lower than a year ago today.

"California's average gas price is holding steady this week, even with strong summer demand and a slight increase in crude oil prices," said Doug Shupe, spokesperson for the Auto Club. "Drivers in several areas-including Los Angeles-Long Beach, San Diego, the Central Coast, Riverside and Bakersfield-are even seeing small drops at the pump, thanks to solid supply keeping prices in check."

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on July 31, averages are: