Gas Prices in Sonoma Skyrocket

Average gas prices in Sonoma have skyrocketed over the past month, jumping by more than 51 cents to $4.41 per gallon, according to a report released this week by AAA. That matches a trend across the Bay Area, AAA officials said.

Even the cheapest station in Sonoma, Sonoma Beacon on Hwy. 12, has gone up dramatically over the past month, eclipsing $4.34 this week.

The increase in local gas prices outpaces the jump in average prices nationwide; AAA officials said that across the country, gas prices rose by 30 cents, to $3.81 per gallon, from February to March.

The region's average gas price is slightly higher than the state's, which is $4.36 per gallon.

AAA spokesman Matt Skryja said increased buying activity by investors in oil and gas futures and political tensions with Iran have pushed prices upward over the past month. He noted, however, that prices appear to have flattened on Wednesday as “concerns over a slowing economy in China and easing tensions with Iran helped pull down the price of oil.”

Sonoma currently is home to some of the highest prices in the Bay Area, with four stations selling regular unleaded for over $4.40 per gallon. According to the AAA report, San Rafael and San Francisco are among the highest average gas prices for March at $4.43 per gallon of regular unleaded. Vallejo is among the lowest in the region at $4.31, according to AAA.

Skryja said seasonal fluctuations are typical, particularly in April, when summer fuel blends, which make sure that gasoline doesn't vaporize as temperatures rise but require more expensive additives to do so, are introduced. But drivers don’t normally see a spike in gas prices in March, he said.

While the average price for March in San Rafael was $4.43 per gallon, a 48-cent jump from the same period a year ago and up from $3.09 per gallon in March 2010.

The high prices come despite dropping demand for oil -- a U.S. Department of Energy report released last week found that the nation was using 8.36 million barrels a day, the lowest rate since March 2001.

To get the best mileage possible, AAA recommends keeping tires at the proper pressure suggested by the vehicle manufacturer, performing routine maintenance and making sure fluids are clean and belts and hoses are in good repair. The organization also recommends avoiding sudden stops and starts, planning errands and lightening your load also help conserve gasoline.

For more info on local gas prices, see our Traffic & Gas section.

- Bay City News contributed to this report