Southern California gas prices drop 7 cents a gallon in time for Memorial Day weekend travel
The average price of a gallon of gasoline in Southern California took the biggest one-week drop during any May in 10 years, just as vacationers prepare for Memorial Day weekend travel.
Since last week, the price of a gallon of gas dropped nearly 7 cents in the Los Angeles and Long Beach region and in Orange County, sliding an additional cent or more in San Diego, Santa Barbara, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
The average gallon of regular gasoline sells for $3.03 in the Los Angeles area, $3.02 in Orange County, $3.09 in Santa Barbara and $3.01 in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, according to the Auto Club.
The drop is the result of a combination of factors, including a recent drop in the price of oil caused by the increased strength of the dollar compared with other currencies and by a slight decline in demand for fuel, Auto Club spokeswoman Marie Montgomery said.
The decline is good news for vacationers who will hit the road for the three-day weekend that traditionally marks the start of summer vacation. Among Southern Californians, about 2.5 million people plan to travel at least 50 miles and spend a night away from home, and 84% of them will get away by car, according to the Auto Club.
Still, gas prices in Los Angeles are about 38 cents per gallon higher than last year at this time, but about $1.60 lower than the record price in May 2008, when drivers spent an average of $4.63 per gallon.
