SACRAMENTO – The Board of Equalization (BOE) has released California gasoline and diesel consumption figures for October 2010.

California gasoline consumption increased 0.9 percent in October 2010, while diesel fuel consumption declined 3.8 percent, compared with October 2009.

“Gas prices and consumption remained particularly stable throughout most of 2010, particularly in comparison to significant changes in 2008 and 2009,” said Board Member Betty T. Yee. “However, there has been more recent variation in diesel.”

In October 2010, gasoline demand rose 0.9 percent when Californians used 1.257 billion gallons of gasoline compared to 1.246 billion gallons in October 2009.

The average California gasoline price at the pump in October 2010 was $3.15 per gallon compared to $3.06 in October 2009, a 2.9 percent increase.

Diesel fuel sold in California during October 2010 totaled 216 million gallons compared to October 2009’s total of 224 million gallons, which is a decrease of 3.8 percent.

California diesel prices were $3.21 per gallon in October 2010 an increase of 12.2 percent compared to October 2009 when the average diesel price was $2.86 per gallon.

The BOE is able to monitor gallons through tax receipts paid by fuel distributors. The figures reported monthly are net consumption that includes BOE audit assessments, refunds, amended and late tax returns, and State Controller’s Office refunds.

Figures for November 2010 are scheduled to be available at the end of February 2011.

All monthly, quarterly, and annual figures can be viewed at www.boe.ca.gov/sptaxprog/spftrpts.htm.