Gas Prices Drop 1 Cent Per Gallon In Bay Area, But 67 Cents Higher Than U.S. Average

BAY AREA, CA – Average gas prices edged downward by one penny per gallon over the last month in the Bay Area but are 67 cents higher than the national average, AAA officials said.

The Bay Area's gas prices are averaging $3 per gallon while national prices are averaging $2.33 and California's prices overall average $2.97, according to a monthly report released Wednesday by AAA.

Among Bay Area cities, San Francisco drivers are paying the most for gas at an average of $3.11 per gallon.

The lowest gas prices in the region are in Vallejo and Concord at $2.92 per gallon.

Prices are down one penny in the state, as with the Bay Area. The national price of $2.33 represents a six-cent drop from the previous month.

"The West Coast is the only region in the country where the demand is meeting the current abundance of gasoline," AAA Northern California spokesman John Moreno said in a statement.

"With the summer travel season right around the corner, increased demand will likely cause gas prices to rise," Moreno said.

Gas prices in California are scheduled to go up 12 cents per gallon in November under a new $52.4 billion, 10-year gas tax and new annual vehicle fee intended to pay for fixing the state's roads and making other
transportation improvements.

• ALSO SEE: Reminder: Chipotle Freebie Today For 'Bike To Work Day'

--Bay City News/Shutterstock image