Gasoline prices decline across California counties

Gasoline prices are trending downward in several California regions, including Los Angeles, Orange, and San Luis Obispo counties. In Los Angeles County, the average price for self-serve regular gasoline fell nearly 3 cents to $6.105, marking a 33.4-cent decrease over the last 23 days. Orange County saw a similar decline, with prices dropping 3 cents to $5.994.

In San Luis Obispo County, the average price fell 17 cents last week to $6.20 per gallon. This downward trend is attributed to the early availability of winter-blend gasoline, which is less expensive to produce. The transition to this blend was accelerated following an announcement by Governor Gavin Newsom to allow its sale ahead of the customary November 1 date.

Despite these local decreases, AAA notes that high crude oil prices are limiting more significant drops at the pump. Crude oil prices have approached $100 per barrel due to instability in the Strait of Hormuz and geopolitical tensions involving Iran.