AAA: Claycord Gas Prices at $3.56 – Lower Prices Expected

Prices at the pump continue to move downward in Claycord and throughout Northern California as the year comes to an end, according to AAA of NorCal.

The following information is from AAA:

California motorists are now paying $0.02 cents less than a month ago, as the state average price drops to $3.59 per gallon of unleaded regular gasoline, according to the AAA Northern California monthly gas survey.

Northern California’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.54, that’s $0.05 cents cheaper than the state average, and a decrease of $0.05 since last month’s AAA report on November 12, 2013. For perspective, gas prices today are $ 0.04 less than California’s average price on this date last year. New York and Connecticut are tied for recording the highest contiguous state average price for regular unleaded gasoline at $3.66.

“Gas prices statewide moved lower following the end of the summer driving season and Thanksgiving,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “Plentiful supplies, flat demand and falling crude oil prices combined for welcome relief at the pump for motorists for the upcoming holidays.”

The national average price of gasoline has fallen nine of 12 days since Thanksgiving. This follows a streak of 15 consecutive daily increases leading up to the holiday.  Today’s national average price at the pump is $3.26, that’s $0.08 cents higher than last month’s AAA report on November 12, but it is fractions of a penny less expensive than one week ago and remains $0.08 less than the same date last year.

After 15 straight weeks above $100 per barrel, WTI begins its eighth consecutive week below this threshold, even after settling higher every day last week on positive economic news, including a rosier than expected job report on Friday that built on bullish global indicators earlier in the week.  A stronger economy–both domestically and overseas–puts upward pressure on crude oil prices as more robust economies are expected to use more oil.

After closing last week with the highest settlement since October, the price of WTI pulled back slightly today.  At the close of formal trading on the NYMEX, WTI settled $0.31 lower at $97.34 per barrel.

The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Marysville where regular unleaded gasoline is $3.43 per gallon. Of all the metro areas in Northern California, where gas prices are tracked by AAA, Eureka has the highest average price at $3.74. The highest average price of gas tracked by AAA in the nation is in Hawaii. The price there is $3.93 per gallon. The lowest price, at $2.91 per gallon, can be found in Missouri.

AAA Monthly Gas Price Averages: December, 2013

To get the best mileage possible, AAA recommends keeping tires at the proper pressure suggested by the vehicle manufacturer, performing routine maintenance and making sure fluids are clean and belts and hoses are in good repair. The way you drive can also impact fuel economy. Smooth driving to avoid sudden stops and starts, combining trips and lightening your load also helps conserve gasoline.

AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available, with over 100,000 self-serve stations surveyed every day, nationwide. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Group and Wright Express.

AAA Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to over 4.1 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago.