Gas Prices Fall for the Second Straight Week
LOS ANGELES--June 8, 2001--For the second straight week, the price of regular unleaded gasoline fell across most of Southern California, Southern Nevada and Arizona, according to the Weekend Gas Watch, compiled by the Automobile Club of Southern California.In the past week, motorists in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area saw the average price fall by 1.6 cents/gallon. The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline at popular destinations for motoring trips.
In the Los Angeles-Long Beach area, the average price of a gallon of unleaded regular gas was $2.013. The record price for the L.A.-Long Beach area is 2.036 set May 25. In San Diego, the average price was $2.014 per gallon, 7/10 of a cent lower than last week's price. The record price for San Diego was $2.025, set May 29.
In the Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc area the average price was $2.023 per gallon, slightly higher than last week's price of 2.022 and lower than the May 16 record of $2.069. In Las Vegas the average price of $1.810 was 2.4 cents lower than last week's average price. (The record for Las Vegas is $1.885 set March 27, 2000.)
In the Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz., area the average price was $1.702, one-half cent lower than last week's average price. The record for Phoenix/Mesa of $1.720 was set May 30.
"The downward trend in gasoline prices hopefully will continue, but it's too soon to be sure," said Auto Club spokesman Jeffrey Spring. "Just this week, Chevron indicated it would reduce production if it cannot be exempted from rolling blackouts this summer."
Average prices as of 12:01 a.m. June 8. Area Regular Mid-Grade Premium Los Angeles-Long Beach $2.013 $2.143 $2.178 San Diego $2.014 $2.144 $2.189 Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc $2.023 $2.153 $2.189 Las Vegas $1.810 $1.907 $1.977 Phoenix-Mesa $1.702 $1.776 $1.878
With gas prices still hovering near all-time record highs and summer vacation around the corner, drivers are looking for ways to save money on both normal commuting and long trips. The Automobile Club of Southern California's "Gas Watcher's Guide" helps with tips that can save drivers up to 25 percent on their fuel usage. The guide is available free at the Auto Club's district offices.
"The recent hike in gas prices has created a need for consumer education about increasing vehicle fuel efficiency," said Steve Mazor, the Auto Club's principal automotive engineer. "The Gas Watcher's Guide provides information about simple steps drivers can take to save money."
Changing driving habits and improving vehicle maintenance are the two key components to improving fuel efficiency, said Mazor. Maintenance tips include properly inflating tires, replacing spark plugs according to the vehicle maintenance schedule and checking the air filter at least twice a year.
Drivers can shop around for low gas prices, but traveling long distances to save a few cents wastes fuel and may cost motorists more money than they save.
Other tips from the Gas Watcher's Guide include:
| -- | Use the most energy-conserving vehicle you own as much as possible. |
| -- | Consolidate trips and errands to cut down on driving time and number of miles driven. |
| -- | Find one location where you can take care of all or most of your errands. |
| -- | Comparison-shop by phone, the Internet or through newspaper advertisements to cut down on driving time. |
| -- | Slow down. The faster you go, the more fuel you use. Remember, however, that traveling slower than the flow of traffic can cause a safety hazard. |
| -- | Lighten the load. Don't haul extra weight in the passenger compartment or trunk. A heavier vehicle uses more fuel. |
Driving style can also impact the amount of gasoline motorists use, according to the Auto Club. Tips to reduce gasoline use include:
-- Know the correct starting procedure for your car. Racing an engine
to warm it up wastes fuel.
-- Maintain steady speeds. A car uses extra fuel when it accelerates.
-- Minimize the need to brake by anticipating traffic conditions. Be
alert for slowdowns and red lights.
-- Use the air conditioner only when necessary. Air conditioning
reduces fuel economy by about 5 percent.
