(The Center Square) — When Californians hit the road for the Fourth of July holiday, they will see lower gas prices than this time last year.
Drivers were expected to experience an increase in gas prices starting Tuesday due to the state’s annual gas tax adjustment. But instead, drivers are seeing the numbers at the pump decrease. As gas prices continue to stay down, an expected record-breaking number of Californian holiday travelers will be paying less money for gas per gallon than last year.
“In California, gasoline prices at the pump (on average) are cheaper than yesterday, cheaper than it was on Monday, cheaper than a week ago, cheaper than a month ago, and cheaper than a year ago,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a press release Wednesday.
The average regular price for regular gas in California on Wednesday was $4.57 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association. This time last year the average regular gas price in California was $4.79 per gallon.
Other average prices Wednesday were $4.80 for mid-grade gas, $4.99 for premium gas and $5.12 for diesel gas, according to AAA. Last year at this time, the average prices were $5 for mid-grade gas, $5.18 for premium gas and $5.116 for diesel.
On Wednesday, the average price per gallon for regular gas in San Diego County was $4.63. In Los Angeles County, it was $4.58, and in San Francisco County, it was $4.80. All three counties also have lower average gas prices compared to last year’s rates.
Oil prices are currently lower, which is an important factor in why gas prices are lower, Anlleyn Venegas, senior public affairs specialist for Auto Club of Southern California (part of AAA), told The Center Square Wednesday.
“As of now, gas prices are lower, oil prices are lower, and that always helps with gas prices,” Venegas said.
Venegas also said many people usually travel for the Fourth of July, but this year AAA expects record travel numbers in California. Venegas added that 4.3 million Southern Californias are expected to be driving to their destinations during the Fourth of July holiday period, which runs June 29 to July 7.
And she said 750,000 Southern Californias are expected to fly to their destinations.
“What AAA SoCal is seeing is that people are prioritizing their vacation more than ever,” Venegas said.
in a press release, San Diego International Airport said it is expecting to see as many as 700,000 people arriving and departing during the holiday period, with an average of 80,000 people at the airport each day.
• Jamie Parsons is an intern reporter and member of the 2025 Searle Freedom Trust and Young America’s Foundation National Journalism Center Apprentice and Internship initiative.
