Auto Club: Gas Prices Continue Dropping Quickly Ahead Of Independence Day Celebrations

Drivers filling up before heading to Independence Day getaways and celebrations will have a little more in their wallets than a couple of months ago as gas prices continue dropping for the sixth straight week, according to the Auto Club's Weekend Gas Watch. Today's statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $5.40, which is 10 cents less than last week and 83 cents higher than at this time last year. The national average is $3.83, which is eight cents lower than last week and 66 cents higher than on this date last year.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.41 per gallon, nine cents lower than last week and 84 cents higher than a year ago. In San Diego, the average price is $5.45, which is 11 cents lower than last week and 83 cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.52, down seven cents from last week and 99 cents higher than a year ago. In Riverside, the average price per gallon is $5.23, 11 cents lower than last week and 83 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.60 average is 10 cents lower than last week and $1.08 higher than one year ago.

"Southern California drivers should be able to find gas prices under $4.75 a gallon for regular unleaded in most areas as they fill up before the July Fourth holiday," said Auto Club spokesperson Kandace Redd. "The Auto Club strongly recommends shopping around virtually for the cheapest gas station close to you by using an online tool such as the AAA Mobile app."

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on July 2, averages are: