Auto Club: California State Gas Price Average Drops Below $6 For First Time Since April

A second week of hefty price drops has brought prices statewide and in most metro areas below $6 a gallon for the first time since April, according to the Auto Club's Weekend Gas Watch. Today's statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $5.97, which is 10 cents less than last week and $1.23 higher than at this time last year. The national average is $4.24, which is 18 cents lower than last week and $1.10 higher than on this date last year.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.99 per gallon, 13 cents lower than last week and $1.27 higher than a year ago. In San Diego, the average price is $5.98, which is 11 cents lower than last week and $1.26 higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.93, down eight cents from last week and $1.29 higher than a year ago. In Riverside, the average price per gallon is $5.84, 12 cents lower than last week and $1.28 higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $6.02 average is two cents lower than last week and $1.35 higher than one year ago.

"Oil prices continue trading below $100 a barrel, which has helped push down gas prices locally and nationwide," said Auto Club spokesperson Kandace Redd. "However, gas prices are likely to remain volatile and well above last year's levels as long as the Middle East conflict remains unresolved."

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on June 4, averages are:

The Auto Club recommends these tips for drivers to save money on fuel:

• Optimize your fuel economy with steady speeds, no hard braking, and no "jackrabbit starts."
• Don't haul extra weight in the passenger compartment or trunk, which reduces fuel economy.
• Properly maintain your vehicle and keep tires properly inflated according to the pressure listed in your owner's manual, which will optimize fuel economy.
• Use the recommended fuel for your vehicle, and don't use mid-grade or premium unless it is specifically recommended in your owner's manual. AAA research shows the higher-grade fuel offers no extra benefit for vehicles that aren't required to use it.
• Look into discounts. AAA members who sign up for the Shell Fuel Rewards Program at AAA.com/Shell can save 30 cents a gallon on their first fill-up, and five cents a gallon on all other fill-ups. Other retailers such as grocery stores also offer fuel discount programs, and some credit cards offer gas discounts.
• If your household has more than one vehicle, use the most fuel-efficient one as much as possible.
• Consolidate errands to reduce mileage and avoid driving during peak hours when traffic congestion will reduce your fuel efficiency.