INLAND EMPIRE, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> Southern California gas prices on Thursday have hit their highest level of the year as earthquake-related refinery problems continued to keep the costs up, according to the Auto Club of Southern California.
The average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded (87) gasoline in the Inland Empire area is currently $4.36, which is a cent higher than last week, the latest AAA figures show below.
The prices are not surging right now, but they are hovering at about 30 cents below their all-time record levels at a time of year that we would usually start to see gas prices to drop. Consumers should see the usual autumn relief at the pump,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said. “But factor in that approximately 16% of crude production in the Gulf of Mexico is still shut down because of Hurricane Ida and Nicholas. Also the concerns about what higher COVID cases could do to the economy, and this uncertainty is helping to keep oil prices elevated.”
Motorists can expect some relief at the pump as gas stations switch from the more expensive summer-blend gasoline to the cheaper winter blend. This is something that generally happens around the end of the September through November. The cost usually decreases 10 to 30 cents a gallon due to the less expensive blend along with typically lower demand.
But while the gasoline costs remain high, we have a number of tips that can help drivers save when they fill up their tanks. Drive more slowly, ensure that your Ttires are inflated, see if your vehicle has an eco mode, get regular maintenance, avoid driving in heavy traffic. Also we recommend drivers take advantage of discounts such as the Fuel Rewards Program at the gas stations.
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