Media Contact: Cynthia Harris

Emeryville, CA., August 14, 2012

Drivers all across Northern California are seeing massive jumps at the pump as gas prices leap over $4 per gallon in most parts of the state. According to the latest report from AAA Northern California, which tracks gas prices as a service to consumers, every metro area in Northern California saw a double-digit jump in its average price over the past month of at least 28 cents.

California’s average for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $4.10, up 40 cents since last month’s AAA report on July 10. For perspective, that’s 37 cents less than California’s average price on this date last year. Among all 50 states, California has the second highest state average price for regular, unleaded gasoline. Hawaii is first at $4.17.

Northern California gas prices are now averaging $4.10, up 39 cents from last month. In the San Francisco Bay Area, motorists can expect to pay an average price of $4.18, which is a 32-cent increase. The national average price of $3.70 is up by 32 cents, which is 10 cents more than the national price on this date last year, when it was $3.60.

“The recent fire at the Chevron refinery in Richmond has created a short-term spike in gas prices across many parts of the Pacific Northwest and Nevada,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris. “It still remains to be seen how long the impact of the fire will be felt. Meanwhile, across the United States, positive economic news has been putting upward pressure on oil prices.”

Besides the impact of the Chevron fire and positive economic news in the U.S., there are some additional influences to the prices at the pump. Gasoline prices have been broadly driven by higher global crude oil prices, which is partially due to mixed news about the global economy. There’s also been fresh concern about geopolitical tensions with Iran and what that could potentially mean to oil supplies from the region. This comes at a time when there’s a seasonal increase in demand due to the summer driving season. Additionally, a weaker U.S. dollar has also helped to push up prices. Because oil futures are traded in U.S. dollars, a weaker dollar means futures are relatively less expensive for investors to buy and are therefore a more attractive investment. Also, in several states outside the West Coast, there have been regional price spikes due to various supply and distribution issues.

The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Marysville and Modesto where regular is $4.00 per gallon in both metro areas. Of all the metro areas in Northern California where gas prices are tracked by AAA, Eureka has the highest average price at $4.37. The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in the Tucson, Arizona, metro area. The average price of gas in that metro area is $3.26. Chicago, Illinois, holds the dubious crown for the highest average price in the nation, at $4.41 per gallon.

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 help 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, LLC.

AAA Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to over 4 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.