Riverside County Gas Prices Dip After 44-Day Rise

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County dropped slightly on Monday, falling one-tenth of a cent to $6.312. This small decrease came three days after a 44-day streak of rising prices that nearly reached the county's all-time high.

The current average price is still 1.3 cents higher than last week, 55.4 cents higher than last month, and a significant $1.701 more expensive than a year ago. Since the start of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran on February 28, gas prices have surged by $1.761 due to rising oil prices and accelerated increases at the pump. The record high in Riverside County remains $6.373, set on October 5, 2022.

Analysts expect California gas prices to begin a slight decline following Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement that winter-blend gasoline, which is cheaper, can now be sold immediately. Meanwhile, the national average price has dropped for the 10th straight day, decreasing four-tenths of a cent to $4.365. Over the past 10 days, the national average has fallen by 12.6 cents, including a 1.1-cent drop on Sunday.

The national average is currently 11.1 cents lower than last week but remains 22 cents higher than last month and $1.232 higher than a year ago. Since the conflict with Iran began, the national average has risen by $1.383. The AAA noted that while crude oil prices have dipped back into the $90 per barrel range, reducing the national average, overall gas prices are still the highest ever recorded for this time of year.