What was seemingly inevitable has finally happened. The average price of gasoline has broken the $4 mark in San Francisco, according to AAA of Northern California, which tracks fuel prices as a service to consumers.
The statewide average price for a gallon of unleaded is $3.91, but even that price is 52 cents higher than a year ago. In addition to San Francisco's record-setting average, both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo have also earned the dubious distinction of holding $4 averages for unleaded gas.
"Motorists have been unhappily preparing for the day when the average price in San Francisco would break the $4 mark," said AAA of Northern California spokesperson Michael Geeser. "Now that it's here, the next question is how high will it go?"
The planned maintenance period for California refineries in which gasoline is reformulated for the warmer summer months ahead is now complete. However, there are still refineries coming back on line, which has had an effect on the amount of supply throughout the state, according to the California Energy Commission.
Officially, the average price in San Francisco reached the $4 mark on Saturday, April 26. It remained there through the weekend.
"While gas prices may drop a penny or two between now and Memorial Day, real relief for consumers most likely won't be realized until the end of summer," Geeser added.
One way consumers can reduce the amount of money they spend on fuel is to shop aggressively for the lowest price. AAA of Northern California has a tool that can help. Located online at www.aaa.com/gasprices, the AAA Fuel Finder has real time information on gas prices at more than 85,000 gas stations throughout the United States.
AAA of Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, financial services and consumer discounts to more than 4 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago.
