California hits another gas price record — and Sacramento’s average is even higher
The Sacramento metro again hit a record high average price for regular gas this week, with prices rising to more than $4.70 a gallon Sunday.
It is the ninth time this month that prices have increased over the previous November high, according to the American Automobile Association. The all-time record was hit five times since Nov. 5.
As of Monday, the average price has decreased less than 1 cent.
According to AAA, gasoline demand dropped, which has contributed to pump price relief — but not by much.
California ranked No. 2 among the 10 U.S. states with the largest weekly pump price increase. The state also ranked No. 1 among the nation’s 10 most expensive markets, according to a gas price report.
The current average price for regular gas in California is $4.68 — about a 6-cent increase from Tuesday of last week to Monday of this week — and the state’s highest record average price, according to data from AAA.
These cities also saw record-breaking average prices for regular unleaded gasoline in the last two days.
Napa: $4.86 as of Nov. 14
Redding: $4.66 as of Nov. 15
San Jose: $4.78 as of Nov. 15
Santa Cruz-Watsonville: $4.76 as of Nov. 14
Stockton-Lodi: $4.65 as of Nov. 15
Vallejo-Fairfield: $4.70 as of Nov. 15
Yolo: $4.68 as of Nov. 14
San Francisco: $4.86 as of Nov. 15
Oakland: $4.78 as of Nov. 15
The other states that recorded the largest average increase include Arizona, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Oklahoma, Indiana, Delaware, Ohio, Michigan and South Dakota.
The current national gas price average is $3.41, 11 cents more than one month ago, $1.29 more than one year ago and 81 cents more than two years ago.
Fuel-saving tips
- Slow down and drive the speed limit because, on the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph.
- If your car will be stopped for more than 60 seconds, shut off the engine to save fuel.
- When approaching a red light or stop sign, take your foot off the gas early and allow your car to coast down to a slower speed until it is time to brake.
- Accelerate smoothly with light to moderate throttle.
- Use cruise control to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.
- Minimize your use of air conditioning.
- Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car. It takes more fuel to accelerate a heavier car, and the reduction in fuel economy is greater for small cars than larger models.
- AA research has found that unless premium fuel is recommended or required by your car’s manufacturer, it provides no added benefit. Motorists should refer to their vehicle’s owner’s manual to check which type of gasoline is recommended for their engine.
Visit the American Automobile Association’s website for more tips on how to save fuel.
This story was originally published November 15, 2021 at 10:22 AM.