Gasoline was expensive this summer, but there are signs of some easing.

Gas stations in Southern California are getting cheaper and cheaper – at least for now. In some areas where prices are as high as $6 a gallon, regular gasoline can be had for about $4.

What is the reason for this decline?

How the gas market is changing

Things like crude oil prices and hot weather can affect how much you pay at the pump at different times of the year.

For example, gasoline prices for Los Angeles residents rose in the spring due to problems at refineries and high demand, says Gianella Ghiglino, a spokeswoman for the American Automobile Association.

Normally, gasoline prices rise in the summer because more people travel by car and the refineries are more expensive summer oil blenddesigned for hotter weather. But this year, after an already expensive spring, prices had not risen as much in early summer.

“For many people it was a kind of relief,” Ghiglino said.

Spring maintenance at oil refineries probably also helped. Once these are completed, gas production usually increases and gas prices fall due to the balance between supply and demand.

“However, gas prices this summer were very similar to last summer,” Ghiglino said.

Prices fluctuate daily. The current average for regular gasoline in Los Angeles-Long Beach is $4.56. according to AAA. A year ago the price was around $5.33.

What’s going on now?

As the season approaches when the weather gets cooler and people drive less, prices at the pump have gotten lower.

Gas prices in LA and Long Beach are about 10 cents lower than they were a month ago. This week, gas prices are down another 2 cents compared to last week.

“We are seeing slow but gradual declines as we move toward the fall season,” Ghiglino said.

It is difficult to predict how long these cuts will last, she said.

The factors that affect gas prices can change rapidly, so the organization cannot predict how long the decline will last or how far prices might fall.

Large price fluctuations may occur less under Governor Gavin Newsom’s new proposalwhich would allow the California Energy Commission to require gas refineries to “maintain a minimum fuel reserve to avoid supply shortages.”

“Price spikes at the pump are profit spikes for Big Oil,” Newsom said in a opinion last week. “Refineries should be required to plan ahead and replenish their inventories to keep prices stable, rather than playing games to make even more profit.”

How do I find cheap petrol?

If you want to avoid those $5 pumps, here are a few tricks.

Skip the Shells and Chevrons. If you have a Costco or Sam’s Club card, you can save money at their cheaper pumps.

You can try GasBuddy, where members create a real-time list of cheap gas stations. You can look up prices in your area or find the best reported cheapest gas stations. nationwide stations here And LA here.

Ghiglino also has a professional tip.

“One tip: Gas stations near a highway exit tend to be a little more expensive,” she said. “So try to look for gas stations that aren’t nearby.”