Bay Area Gas Prices Going Up

Bay City News – Gas prices are on the rise in the Bay Area and statewide, according to a report from AAA Northern California.

Bay Area residents are paying an average of $3.23 per gallon for regular, unleaded gasoline, up five cents from last month.

California's average price of $3.14 per gallon, which has increased by four cents since Oct. 12, is the third-highest among all 50 states. At this time last year, a gallon of gas cost an average of $2.99.

Nationally, the average price of gas increased five cents over the past month to $2.86 - 20 cents more than at this time last year.     

According to AAA, a recent report from the Department of Energy indicated costs have been affected by a higher-than-normal demand that negated the positive effects of a jump in U.S. crude oil stockpiles.    

Although the stockpile, at 368.2 million barrels, was at its highest level since May 15, 2009, a drawdown of 2.7 million barrels made a net dent in the reserves, according to AAA.

That drawdown was attributed to a slowdown in production at U.S. refineries, which are performing autumn maintenance, AAA officials said.     

Across the lower 48 states, Eureka, Calif., has the most expensive average price of $3.33. Overall, gas is most expensive in Wailuku, Hawaii, where a gallon of regular costs $3.92.

AAA offers a text alert service to notify subscribers of low gas prices in their area.

offers the least expensive gallon ($3.18) in Millbrae, according to AAA.