Union 76 fuel pump
A Union 76 gas pump in San Diego. Photo credit: Staff photo

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County dropped Saturday for the 18th time in 19 days, decreasing 1.5 cents to $5.202, its lowest amount since April 3.

The average price has decreased 15.2 cents over the past 19 days, including 1.6 cents Friday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It dropped 13 consecutive days, was unchanged Monday and resumed decreasing Tuesday.

The average price is 7 cents less than one week ago and 17.7 cents lower than one month ago but 38.3 cents more than one year ago. It has dropped $1.233 since rising to a record $6.435 on Oct. 5, 2022.

The national average dropped for the eighth time in nine days, decreasing four-tenths of a cent to $3.593. It has dropped 4.9 cents over the past nine days, including three-tenths of a cent Friday.

The national average price is 3.3 cents less than one week ago and 8.1 cents lower than one month ago but 5.7 cents more than one year ago. It has dropped $1.423 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.

The primary reasons for the “glacial descent” of the national average price “are weak domestic demand and oil costs below $80 a barrel,” according to Andrew Gross, an AAA national public relations manager.

“Barring some unforeseen event, this pokey drop in pump prices is not likely to change anytime soon,” Gross said. “There are seven states with county gas averages at less than $3 a gallon. This trend will likely accelerate as more gas outlets east of the Rockies drop their prices.”

— City News Service