The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County dropped Sunday for the 12th time in 13 days, decreasing eight-tenths of a cent to $4.596.
The average price has dropped 8.9 cents over the past 13 days, including 1.5 cents Saturday, according to figures from AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. It fell for seven consecutive days, rose one-tenth of a cent Tuesday and resumed dropping Wednesday.
The average price is 5.9 cents less than one week ago, 2.9 cents lower than one month ago and 32.4 cents below what it was one year ago. It has dropped $1.777 since rising to a record $6.373 on Oct. 5, 2022.
The national average price decreased for the eighth time in nine days, dropping seven-tenths of a cent to $3.143. It has fallen 5.3 cents over the past nine days, including 1.2 cents Saturday. The average price dropped five consecutive days, rose three-tenths of a cent on Thursday and resumed decreasing Friday.
The national average price is 3.8 cents less than one week ago, 4.3 cents lower than one month ago and 40.1 cents below what it was one year ago. It has dropped $1.873 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.
“While fuel prices are expected to remain on the lower side compared to last summer, weather is the wild card,” according to a statement from the AAA. “The Atlantic hurricane season begins Sunday, and (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season.
“Storms along the Gulf Coast can affect oil refineries and disrupt fuel deliveries, leading to a temporary increase in gas prices.”