The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County recorded its largest increase since Sept. 28, 2019, Thursday, rising 8 cents to $4.975, its 14th record in 16 days.
The average price has risen 28 of the past 31 days, increasing 35.1 cents, including 3.4 cents Wednesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
The average price is 19.2 cents more than one week ago, 31.9 cents higher than one month ago, and $1.232 greater than one year ago.
The Automobile Club of Southern California says there are two main factors contributing to high gas prices.
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The global tension surrounding the Russian invasion of Ukraine is causing crude oil prices to rise. And the more expensive summer-blend fuel started entering the market in California last month.
As gas prices continue to rise, here are some tips from AAA to help you save some money at the pump.
- Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflation reduces fuel economy.
- Slow down and drive the speed limit. On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph.
- Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard acceleration. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
- Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in winter. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
- Minimize your use of air conditioning. Even at highway speeds, open windows have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor.
- Also, shop around for gas prices, sometimes lower prices are around the corner.
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"Fuel efficiency should be one of those things that people do on a daily basis as much as they possibly can," said Doug Shupe, Auto Club of Southern California spokesperson. "Because the more steps that you take to maximize your fuel efficiency, the more regular and vigilant that you are at following those steps, the more money you’re gonna save in the long run."
“I drive all day long and I'm getting killed with gas right now,” said Scott Drake, San Diego resident. “Brutally killed.”
Alan gin, professor of economics, says he predicts prices are likely to go up some more before they go down.
“I think it could approach $6 a gallon,” said Gin. “Whether it goes over that or not, I'm uncertain at this point.”
