WALNUT CREEK, Calif. – The pump prices have jumped in all but one metro area across Northern California, according to the latest report from AAA Insurance, which tracks gas prices as a service to consumers.

According to AAA, half of the Northern California metro areas tracked by the organization had double digit increases over the past month.

 

The Golden State’s average for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.70, up 11 cents since last month’s AAA report on Dec. 13. For perspective, that’s 35 cents higher than California’s average price on this date last year.

Among all 50 states, California has the third highest state average price for regular, unleaded gasoline. Hawaii is first and Alaska is second.

 

Northern California gas prices are now averaging $3.67, up nine cents from last month.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, motorists can expect to pay an average price of $3.74, which is a 7-cent increase.

The national average price of $3.37 is up by 10 cents, which is 28 cents more than the national price on this date last year, when it was $3.09.

 

“Consumers have been seeing a steady increase in gas prices ever since late last year,” said AAA Insurance spokesperson Matt Skryja. “The recent jumps at the pump are largely driven by investors’ buying behavior, which is linked to real, perceived, or potential impacts on supply and demand worldwide. Recent tensions between Iran and the U.S. in the Persian Gulf sparked concerns about possible restrictions on oil tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. Fears over this potential impact to supply helped push the price upwards.”

 

Positive economic reports about the U.S. and Chinese economies have also helped pressure gasoline prices higher.

That said, late last week concerns about ongoing economic stability issues in the Euro zone helped to counter-balance the rising price of oil.

Global economic weakness, and the associated decrease in demand for oil, exerts downward pressure on the price of crude.

Figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration show that demand for gasoline in the United States has continued to drop, as oil and gasoline stocks are building.

 

The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Ukiah where regular is $3.53.

Of all the metro areas in Northern California where gas prices are tracked by AAA, Eureka has an average price of $3.88, the highest in Northern California. This is also the highest price in the lower 48 states.

The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in St. George, Utah. The average price of gas in that metro area is $2.85. Wailuku, Hawaii, holds the dubious crown for the highest average price in the nation, at $4.36 per gallon.

 

To get the best mileage possible, AAA recommends keeping tires at the proper pressure suggested by the vehicle manufacturer, performing routine maintenance and making sure fluids are clean and belts and hoses are in good repair. The way you drive can also impact fuel economy. Smooth driving to avoid sudden stops and starts, planning errands and lightening your load also help conserve gasoline.

 

AAA offers text alerts via mobile phone for low gas prices in your area. Visit www.aaa.com/gas.