NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – For the first time in 2010, drivers across California are paying less for a gallon of gas, when compared to last year’s pump prices.

A day-to-day comparison shows conducted earlier this month showed the average Golden State price has been cheaper than it was on the same days in 2009.

According to the latest report from AAA Northern California, a month-to-month comparison shows that all but one metro area tracked by AAA saw a decrease at the pump.

 

“The passing of Labor Day marks the traditional end of the summer driving season, but this year has been anything but traditional,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Matt Skryja. “Crude supplies have remained at significantly high levels throughout the year and show no immediate signs of a change in status. Additionally, this year has been marked by very fragile demand, particularly over the summer. These and other factors have helped to keep gas and oil prices lower than expected.”

 

California’s average gas price is the third highest among all 50 states, according to the latest report from AAA, which tracks gasoline prices as a service to consumers.

The Golden State’s average for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.02, down 16 cents since last month’s report on Aug. 10.

For perspective, that’s 15 cents lower than California’s average price on this date last year, when it was $3.17.

 

Northern California gas prices are now averaging $3.02, down 18 cents from last month. In the San Francisco Bay Area, motorists can expect to pay an average price of $3.12, which is a 15-cent decrease.

The national average price of $2.72 is down by six cents, which is 15 cents more than the national price on this date last year, when it was $2.57.

 

The price of crude oil remains above $75 per barrel. Although positive economic news out of China has inspired optimism the last couple of days among oil investors, renewed concerns over the European debt situation is tempering excitement.

As a result, the value of the Euro recently fell and the dollar gained strength. When the dollar gains value it makes crude oil (traded in U.S. dollars) more expensive to purchase for those using other currencies.

 

The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Marysville where regular is $2.90.

Of all the metro areas in Northern California where gas prices are tracked by AAA, South Lake Tahoe’s average price of $3.31 is the highest.

It’s also the highest price reported by AAA in the lower 48 states.

The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in the New Jersey suburbs outside Philadelphia, where the average price of gas is $2.45. Wailuku, Hawaii, holds the dubious crown for the highest average price in the nation, at $3.85 per gallon.