Every California metro breaks gas price record as state soars above $5 average. Check yours

The average price per gallon for regular gas in California spiked more than 50 cents in one week, exceeding $5 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association. Every metropolitan area in the state has set a new record.

As of Monday, the statewide average price for unleaded regular gasoline was $5.34 per gallon, more than a 6-cent jump from yesterday and about 52 cents more than a week ago.

Last month, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline sat at $4.68 per gallon and a year ago it was $3.74.

Sanctions by western nations against Russia because of its action in Ukraine are expected to only drive up the price of oil.

“California could stay near or above $5 a gallon for a few months. It could get worse than that if Russia further inflames the situation,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told The Bee last month.

Gas prices across California

In Sacramento, the average price for regular gas is also more than $5 per gallon, up roughly 50 cents from last week.

It’s still below the state average at $5.28 per gallon.

In Los Angeles it costs an average of nearly $5.43 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. In San Francisco, the average cost is $5.48 per gallon.

The data used in this interactive map, collected from AAA, was last updated Monday. Here are the regular gas prices in California by county:

Here are the current gas price average of several metro areas, according to AAA:

OAKLAND: $5.39

SAN DIEGO: $5.38

BAKERSFIELD: $5.18

FRESNO: $5.16

MERCED: $5.16

MODESTO: $5.10

NAPA: $5.50

ORANGE COUNTY: $5.42

REDDING: $5.27

SAN BERNARDINO: $5.30

SAN JOSE: $5.37

STOCKTON: $5.24

How to save money on gas

Here are several gas rewards programs offering cashback on gas purchases:

• Receipt Hog
• GetUpside
• Checkout 51: Cash Back Savings
• Fuel Network Rewards
• Fuel Rewards Program
• SmartPay Rewards
• Exxon Mobil Rewards
• BPme: BP & Amoco Gas Rewards
• Sunoco

How to save fuel

Burning gas is inevitable, but the speed in which you burn it can be decreased. Here are test proven tips to help you save money on gas, according to Consumer Reports experts:

STAY AT HALF A TANK

Keep your gas tank at least halfway full at all times to give yourself more flexibility when and where you fill up.

OBEY SPEED LIMITS

When you drive, follow the speed limit and drive smoothly because research shows a reduction in speed improved fuel economy. Another way to look at it: Speeding up from 55 to 75 mph is like moving from a compact car to a large SUV, according to Consumer Reports.

DRIVE EVENLY

Avoid hard acceleration and braking when possible and once up to your desired speed, maintain a steady pace. REMOVE ROOF RACKS Remove roof racks when they’re not being used because more than 50% of engine power is used battling aerodynamic drag. You also loose gas when driving with an empty roof rack.

SKIP THE PREMIUM GAS

Save money and skip premium gas unless it’s required for your vehicle.

CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE

Tires with low pressure can not only affect tires’ longevity, but it also wastes gas. For more tips on how to be more fuel efficient, visit Consumer Reports’ gas saving page.

WHICH CARS HELP SAVE ON GAS?

Are you in the market for a new car? Maybe one that’s less of a gas guzzler? According to a 2021 Consumer Reports car study, these hybrid vehicles are the most fuel efficient:

This story was originally published March 7, 2022 at 11:10 AM with the headline "Every California metro breaks gas price record as state soars above $5 average. Check yours."