Central coast gas prices hit record highs
CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION) The price for gas continues to increase. AAA recording the highest average price for gas in the area in Santa Cruz and Watsonville on Monday.
Locals say they're shocked at the prices.
"As anybody could imagine, it’s just absolutely insane,” said Paul White.
According to AAA, the demand for gas usually drops after Labor Day but after a pandemic, nothing is normal.
"We start to see a lull in demand for gasoline as the summer winds down, people stop driving as much as kids get back to school. We haven't really seen a lot of drop in demand this year," said Sergio Avila, spokesperson for AAA Northern California.
For Paul White, who commutes all the way from San Rafael and back to Salinas for work, the prices can be steep.
"Yeah, it was about 80 bucks and I use premium fuel for my car. My car requires premium fuel," said White.
Last Wednesday, Salinas recorded their highest average on gas reaching $4.735, and on Monday, Santa Cruz and Watsonville reached their peak with an average price for regular unleaded gas at $4.72 per gallon.
"It does have a lot to do with demand as well. I mean, the demand for crude oil has been strong worldwide. And so that's something that's keeping that price elevated when it comes to crude about the price reflects about 60 percent of what you see at the pump," said Avila.
AAA expects prices to remain high so if you're planning a trip, plan accordingly.
"Vehicle maintenance is hugely important when it comes to your gas mileage. You know, keeping your tires inflated to the proper tire pressure, getting those oil changes, those tune-ups all of those things that your vehicle needs to run efficiently," said Avila.
