The Auto Club

Southern California gas price averages are still above $3 a gallon for the third month in a row, but have dropped by nearly a dime from their 2009 record levels in September, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California monthly Fuel Gauge Report.

The Southern California October average price for regular self-serve gasoline is $3.025, eight cents lower than the September average of $3.104. This month’s average price is 42 cents lower than last year’s October price average of $3.449.

The statewide average price of $3.02 is nine cents lower than the September average of $3.11. Marysville in Northern California has the state’s lowest average price at $2.787, while Tahoe City has the highest gas price average for the fourth month in a row at $3.279. In central and Southern California, the cheapest gas is in Porterville, with an average price of $2.884, and Laguna Beach has the most expensive gas at an average price of $3.197.

Nationally, the average price of $2.478 is a dime lower than the September average of $2.578. Alaska continues to have the most expensive gas with an average price of $3.372 statewide. Alaska, Hawaii and California are the only three U.S. states with price averages above $3. South Carolina has the lowest state average price at $2.249.

“This is the time of year when gas prices typically drop off,” said Auto Club spokesperson Jeffrey Spring. “Locally, prices are coming down very slowly. Oil industry analysts say the weak dollar is playing a role in keeping prices from dropping more quickly.”