Gas Prices Continue To Drop In Encinitas: See The Cheapest Local Gas

ENCINITAS, CA — After weeks of surging gas prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, prices are finally starting to inch back down, albeit slowly. In San Diego County, the price of a gallon of regular gas fell 10 cents in seven days.

On Tuesday, regular gas cost Encinitas and county residents an average of $5.81 — down from $5.91 a week ago.

San Diego County first broke its 35-day streak of record shattering gas price increases on March 30 as the average price for regular gasoline fell by one cent — the largest decrease since Dec. 1, according to AAA. Although residents are still feeling pain at the pump, prices have been falling for the past several weeks, paving the way for some relief.

Countywide, the price for a gallon of regular gas was hovering above and below $6 at the end of March. In Encinitas, the cheapest price for regular gas on March 30 was $5.89 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.

On Tuesday, the cheapest gas in Encinitas was $5.79 at a Valero at 325 Encinitas blvd, according to GasBuddy.

Despite the decrease, the average price in San Diego County is 7 cents more than one month ago and $1.84 greater than one year ago.

Prices have remained elevated amid inflation and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"The global oil market reflects the volatility caused by the war in Ukraine grinding onward,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And with oil prices refusing to fall, the price at the pump is likewise meeting resistance at dropping further."

Statewide, the average price for regular fuel inched down to $5.74 from $5.76 the day before. Nationally, gas prices have seen a decline as well. Since Monday, the average for a gallon of gas fell by three cents to $4.15, AAA reported.

Experts say local gas prices may see future decreases.

"Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices have continued their downward trend andare now at their lowest level since Feb. 28, despite reports of two Southern California refineries having unexpected maintenance issues over the weekend and a fire that could affect production at a Valero refinery in Benicia in Northern California,"

In response to skyrocketing gas prices, Gov. Gavin Newsom this month announced a plan to send every registered vehicle owner a $400 debit card. The governor also wants to freeze the gas tax increase that's set to befall Californians this summer.

Californians could get a maximum of $800 per vehicle, for those who own two vehicles. Direct payments would come in the form of a tax rebate. Pausing the inflationary adjustment to the gas tax would cost $523 million.

"We're taking immediate action to get money directly into the pockets of Californians who are facing higher gas prices as a direct result of Putin's invasion of Ukraine," Newsom said in a statement.

READ MORE: Newsom Wants To Send $400 Debit Cards To CA Car Owners