See The Cheapest Gas In Encinitas As Prices Inch Down

ENCINITAS, CA — San Diego County broke its 35-day streak of gas increases on Wednesday as the average price for regular gasoline fell by one cent, according to AAA.

Countywide, the price for a gallon of regular gas dropped from $6.01 to $6 on Wednesday. The decrease is the largest drop since Dec. 1, when the average prices dropped nine-tenths of a cent. In Encinitas, the cheapest price for regular gas could be found Wednesday at a Valero at 325 Encinitas Boulevard at $5.89 per gallon.

Despite the decrease across the county, the average price is 4 cents more than one week ago, $1.61 more than one month ago and $2.059 greater than one year ago.

The average price rose $1.276 during the streak, including three-tenths of a cent Tuesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. The average price rose to a record each day during the streak, the longest since a 40-day streak from Feb. 9 to March 20, 2021, totaling 44.2 cents, AAA reported

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."

Nationally, gas prices have seen a decline but that decline has slowed, according to AAA. After hitting $4.33 on March 11, the national average for a gallon of gasoline fell to $4.24, but it's only gone down a penny since last week.

Statewide, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $5.91, up from $4.82 one month ago.

In response to skyrocketing gas prices, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a plan to send every registered vehicle owner a $400 debit card this month. 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

City News Service contributed to this report.