California drivers are paying about a cent less for gas this week compared to last week, continuing a month-long trend of falling gas prices on the West Coast – despite national prices rising for the first time in five weeks.

On Tuesday, Californian motorists paid an average of $2.93 for a gallon of unleaded regular gas. A month ago, California drivers paid $3.05, according to AAA. Nationally, average prices at the pump jumped about 3 cents this week to $2.26.

“California prices have been falling for weeks, but with national prices rising this week, that could be a signal that prices could be increasing again soon for the West Coast. AAA expects to see slight increases in prices throughout July, so now is the time to travel," said Mike Blasky, spokesman for AAA Northern California.

"It's rare to see California prices fall as prices in other states spike," Blasky said.

Refinery production on the West Coast is at its highest levels since August 2016, helping to stabilize gas prices, Blasky said.

Gas prices were highest in South Lake Tahoe ($3.25) and San Francisco ($3.10), but drivers in most Bay Area cities paid under $3 per gallon.

Californians were paying $2.88 at the pump a year ago – 5 cents less than on Tuesday. The price of crude continues to hover around $45 per barrel.