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The conversion to summer-blend gasoline, statewide refinery issues, and a rise in crude oil prices have sent California prices to new highs, according to the latest AAA Northern California monthly gas survey.
Many metro areas in Northern California saw an increase of at least 31 cents per gallon over the past month.
California’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $4.06, up 45 cents since last month’s AAA report on January 8, 2013.
For perspective, gas prices today are 22 cents more expensive than California’s average price on this date last year.
Among all 50 states, California has the second highest state average price for regular, unleaded gasoline. Hawaii is the highest at $4.24.
“The price of gasoline in California rose above $4.00 per gallon on Friday, marking the first time since November 3, 2012, when California was last above this level, that a state average in the continental U.S. has exceeded this threshold.” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson.
Northern California gas prices are now averaging $3.95, a change of 39 cents in price from last month’s report.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, motorists can expect to pay an average price of $4.03, which is up 35 cents from last month.
The California state average price of $4.06 is up 45 cents, which is 46 cents more than the national price of unleaded regular gasoline, $3.60.
In the first 90 days of 2012, geopolitical tensions with Iran pressured the national price at the pump almost 65 cents higher.
The beginning of 2013 does not have a similar situation that is moving the market. Unlike recent years (Libya in 2011 and Iran in 2012), escalating geopolitical tensions overseas have not been a major contributing factor to the early-year price increase. AAA expects that the increases to the national average will slow as temporary production concerns are addressed.
In the Northeast, reports surfaced of long lines at the pump as drivers filled up their cars in advance of winter storm “Nemo,” which blanketed much of the Northeast with snow over the weekend. However the ultimate short-term impact on regional retail prices was minimal as expected.
The ultimate impact of the storm is likely to push back demand for gas, as the snow continues to keep drivers off of the road in the densely populated Northeast.
After declining slightly to end last week, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices again moved up today settling $1.31 higher at $97.03 per barrel at the close of formal trading on the NYMEX.
The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Modesto, where regular is $3.84 per gallon. Of all the metro areas in Northern California, where gas prices are tracked by AAA, Eureka has the highest average price at $4.15. The highest price of gasoline in the nation’s metro areas is in Hilo, Hawaii, at $4.26 per gallon.
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California’s gasoline consumption declined 1.1 percent while diesel consumption increased 3.7 percent in October 2012, according to fuel tax data released by Betty T. Yee, First District Member of the California State Board of Equalization (BOE).
“As an improving economy leads to increasing gas prices, Californians are taking the lead to reduce consumption and costs to working families with their commitment to fuel-saving technologies and changed driving habits,” said Yee.
BOE’s fuel tax report shows Californians consumed 1.22 billion gallons of gasoline in October 2012, a 1.1 percent decline from the 1.23 billion gallons consumed during October 2011.
In California, the average price of gasoline in October 2012 was $4.46 per gallon, a 14.6 percent increase.
Nationally, the average price of gasoline in October was $3.81, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), an 8.7 percent increase.
BOE estimates statewide gasoline tax-related revenues for October 2012 are about $165 million in sales taxes and about $440 million in excise taxes in California.
California’s diesel consumption increased 3.7 percent in October 2012 to 235 million gallons, compared to 226 million gallons in October 2011.
In California, the average price of diesel fuel in October 2012 was $4.38 per gallon, an increase of 7.8 percent.
Nationally, the average price of diesel fuel in October was $4.09, also an increase of 7.8 percent, according to the EIA.
BOE estimates statewide diesel fuel tax-related revenues for October 2012 are about $93 million in sales taxes and about $26 million in excise tax in California.
For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit www.taxes.ca.gov .
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Energy Watch is hosting Time Varying Pricing (TVP) presentations for businesses, farmers and ranchers that are Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) customers, whose electrical demand is 200 kW or less per month.
Under TVP, rates are higher when electric demand is higher, typically on weekday afternoons. At all other times, rates are lower.
All business and agriculture customers will transition to a time-of-use rate as part of a statewide plan to help protect California’s energy resources.
You will learn how TVP will affect you, how to conserve electricity during peak hours, and you may be eligible for an onsite rate analysis.
Join them on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 8 a.m. in the Lake County Courthouse, Board of Supervisors Chambers, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
Please call 707-263-2221 to register.
You may also join them on Tuesday, March 5, at 6 p.m. at Main Street Bar and Grill, 14084 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake. Please RSVP with the Clearlake Chamber at 707-994-3600.
Dinner at 5:30 p.m. is optional and is available for an additional charge. Presentations are expected to last about 30 minutes.
For more information concerning TVP, business customers can call 1-800-987-4923, and agricultural customers can call 1-877-311 FARM (3276) or email
Lake County Energy Watch is administered by PG&E using funding from California utility ratepayers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. Energy Watch partnerships are designed to help local governments and their communities lower their energy bills and enjoy a cleaner environment.
For more information about the Lake County Energy Watch program, please call 707-263-2221 or visit www.energy.co.lake.ca.us .
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Chamber of Commerce's third annual Winter Business Showcase will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 20.
The showcase, which is open to the public, takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Little Theater on the Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St., Lakeport.
Meet businesses new to the county, enter to win door prizes, and enjoy complimentary appetizers, music and a no-host bar.
The event is hosted by the the Ambassador Committee of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.
For more information call the chamber at 707-263-5092.