Gas prices across the United States have been on a steady decline since June — except for the state of California, where drivers are seeing the exact opposite.
While the national average price per gallon dropped another cent since Monday to be $3.70 as of Tuesday morning, California’s average rose two cents to $5.42 a gallon, according to AAA.
Experts say California’s gas price increases are due to local oil refinery maintenance needs.
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“It limits how much gasoline and diesel fuel can be supplied to the market,” Patrick de Haan, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, told ABC7. “And so, with supply taking an immediate hit, prices go up very quickly.”
De Haan said maintenance takes place on an annual basis, but it is now more noticeable given the higher cost of gas.
Over the last week, Californians have seen gas prices rise nearly 20 cents from an average of $5.26 per gallon.
Nationally, gas prices have fallen from an average cost of $3.96 per gallon a month ago. Drivers saw the all-time national average high of $5.02 per gallon in June.
“Less expensive oil usually leads to less expensive gas for drivers,” AAA spokesman Andrew Gross said. “This trend has helped pump prices fall steadily for three straight months and, with fall approaching, more markets could soon see prices below $3 per gallon.”
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De Haan said he expects California’s gas prices will also begin to drop in the next few weeks.
