2021 Begins with a Rollercoaster Ride at Gas Pump

As one year ended and another began, gas prices in Riverside are on a rollercoaster ride, rising slightly last week and dropping today.

Riverside gas prices have fallen 1.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.15/g today, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 481 stations. Gas prices in Riverside are 4.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 33.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Riverside is priced at $2.78/g today while the most expensive is $3.69/g, a difference of 91.0 cents per gallon. The lowest price in the state today is $2.62/g while the highest is $3.99/g, a difference of $1.37/g.

The national average price of gasoline has fallen 1.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.24/g today. The national average is up 8.0 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 34.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Historical gasoline prices in Riverside and the national average going back ten years:

  • January 4, 2020: $3.48/g (U.S. Average: $2.59/g)
  • January 4, 2019: $3.24/g (U.S. Average: $2.24/g)
  • January 4, 2018: $3.12/g (U.S. Average: $2.49/g)
  • January 4, 2017: $2.75/g (U.S. Average: $2.36/g)
  • January 4, 2016: $3.01/g (U.S. Average: $1.99/g)
  • January 4, 2015: $2.60/g (U.S. Average: $2.19/g)
  • January 4, 2014: $3.66/g (U.S. Average: $3.31/g)
  • January 4, 2013: $3.60/g (U.S. Average: $3.29/g)
  • January 4, 2012: $3.64/g (U.S. Average: $3.28/g)
  • January 4, 2011: $3.30/g (U.S. Average: $3.06/g)

Neighboring areas and their current gas prices:

  • San Bernardino — $3.12/g, down 2.1 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.14/g.
  • Orange County — $3.21/g, up 0.9 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.20/g.
  • Los Angeles — $3.21/g, unchanged  from last week’s $3.21/g.

“After several weeks seeing the national average make healthy gains, last week saw a significant slowdown and most states saw prices change little as we head into the New Year,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “I’m hopeful 2021’s theme will be recovery in the COVID-19 pandemic, which is unfortunately likely to drive gas prices higher. How much higher? GasBuddy will be revealing its 2021 Fuel Price Outlook tomorrow answering that question, giving motorists some insight into the trends expected in the coming 365 days. Short-term, expect prices to see overall less fluctuation in the week ahead as they saw to end 2020, with prices more likely to see small gains or stability than decreases.”

Image Sources

  • Filling up: Pixaby