Gas prices are reportedly on a steady decline, offering relief to millions across the nation. The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has dropped to a three-year low, now sitting at $3.01 as of Sunday.
This marks the lowest price point since May 2021, with the average falling even further from the $3.03 per gallon recorded just a few days earlier on Dec. 5. For many Americans, this trend signals much-needed financial relief as the holiday season ramps up.
Unfortunately, drivers in California aren’t seeing the same savings as the rest of the country. The average price of gas in the Golden State remains significantly higher, standing at $4.36 as of Sunday—making California the second-most expensive state for gas, behind Hawaii. Some Bay Area counties report prices even higher than the state average.
However, there is some good news for Californians: gas prices are lower than they were at this time last year, when the average stood at $4.73 per gallon. While prices in California remain above the national average, the downward trend is encouraging.
If the current pattern continues, the national average could soon dip below $3—a level not seen since early 2021. This would be a welcome change for drivers nationwide, providing additional economic relief during the busy travel season.
Earlier this year, gas prices in California and the Bay Area reached alarming heights, with reports of some gas stations displaying prices exceeding $7 per gallon for regular gasoline.
The national median gasoline price at the time stood around $3.66 per gallon. However, California’s average price had surged to $5.39, according to AAA.
In Central California, prices surpassed $5 per gallon, with Merced experiencing a significant increase to $5.10.
