The average cost per gallon has increased 59.4 cents in the past 24 days
After drivers began to celebrate that gas prices were starting to drop, a new setback has sent prices through the roof.
According to AAA, the price per gallon of gasoline is $5.79 in California. The average price has increased 59.4 cents in the past 24 days, including 11 cents on Sunday. This is 40.6 cents more than a week ago, 54.5 cents more than a month ago, and $1.43 more than a year ago.
Doug Shupe, AAA’s California representative, said the high prices this time are due to a combination of planned and unplanned refinery maintenance.
“We don’t know exactly when prices will drop again because it depends on when the refineries finish their maintenance,” Shupe told.
He added that the high temperatures have nothing to do with the new price hike. California drivers are paying $2 more than the national price, which was $3.72 a gallon on Monday. California is one of the states with the highest tax costs that affect gasoline prices.
In southern California, the city of Los Angeles and Long Beach as well as Orange County are among the places where gas is more expensive. San Bernardino and Riverside counties showed slightly lower prices, around $5.70 per gallon.
The high prices are due to the maintenance of the refineries.
Drastic changes
Last July, a survey by AAA revealed that drivers began to make significant changes to cope with record prices at gas stations.
Nearly two-thirds, or 64%, of American adults surveyed have changed their driving habits or lifestyle since March, when gas prices began to rise. 23% indicated that they made “important changes”. The top three driver modifications to offset high gas prices are driving less, combining errands, and cutting back on shopping or dining out.
To save gas on every trip, AAA recommends that drivers make sure they maintain their car in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Although modern cars don’t need as many adjustments, regular servicing will ensure optimal fuel economy, performance and service life. It is recommended that you take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible if the “Check Engine” light comes on. This indicates a problem that is causing excessive emissions and likely reducing fuel economy. Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflation reduces fuel economy, but more importantly, underinflated tires degrade handling and braking, wear out more quickly, and can overheat and burst.
And for those who are going to buy a vehicle, they are advised to look for models that offer best-in-class fuel economy. For most drivers, an optional larger and/or more powerful motor is not necessary.