Average retail gasoline prices in Riverside County have risen 0.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.37 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 481 gas outlets in Riverside County. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.57 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Riverside during the past week, prices yesterday were 48.5 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 19.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 3.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 29.4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on February 12 in Riverside have ranged widely over the last five years: $2.88 per gallon in 2017, $2.54 per gallon in 2016, $2.72 per gallon in 2015, $3.68 per gallon in 2014 and $4.14 per gallon in 2013.

Areas near Riverside and their current gas price climate:

  • San Bernardino- $3.35 per gallon, down 0.3 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.35 per gallon.
  • Orange County- $3.40 per gallon, down 2.0 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.42 per gallon.
  • Los Angeles- $3.43 per gallon, down 2.2 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.46 per gallon.

“The wait is over — 2018’s first weekly drop at gas pumps has arrived with the national average losing ground in the last week. As the Dow Jones average swung violently, oil prices lost considerable ground, falling below $60 per barrel for the first time this year. In addition, a weekly report from the government showed a trifecta of inventory increases: crude oil, gasoline and distillate inventories all gained, pushing wholesale gasoline prices down and paving the way for gas prices to cool off,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, in a prepared statement. “These factors have opened the door for perhaps a brief window of relief at the pump that may last for several weeks. I’d expect most places would see gas prices decline in the week ahead as a direct result. But don’t get too giddy- there are still some gray clouds on the horizon.”

For LIVE fuel price averages, visit HERE.