WASHINGTON – Drivers are paying the lowest average gas prices for this time of the year since 2004. The national average on Monday, according to AAA, was $2.59 per gallon. California’s current average is $3.47, down 11 cents from last week.
Locally, drivers are enjoying prices even cheaper than the state average. Modesto drivers are getting the best deal, paying only $3.07 per gallon while Stockton motorists pay $3.12 per gallon to fill up. Those in Merced are paying the highest prices at $3.26 per gallon.
The reason for the lower prices is the current glut of oil, driving prices down to less than $50 per barrel. That has helped offset refinery problems in the Midwest.
Prices are expected to stay low for the foreseeable future as refineries will soon change over to the cheaper winter blend of fuel and demand drops as the summer driving season comes to an end.
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