RIVERSIDE — Motorists were greeted with more good news at local gas pumps this as prices in fell 9.1 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.33 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 481 stations in Riverside.

This compares with the national average that has fallen 2.7 cents per gallon versus last week to $2.41 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.

Average gasoline prices on Dec. at Riverside pumps have ranged widely over the past five years: $3.08 per gallon in 2017, $2.65 per gallon in 2016, $2.67 per gallon in 2015, $2.92 per gallon in 2014 and $3.58 per gallon in 2013.

Including the change at the pumps locally during the past week, prices on Sunday were 24.9 cents per gallon higher than a year ago and are 32.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has dropped 28.0 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 3.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Areas near Riverside and their current gas price climate at the pumps:

  • San Bernardino — $3.36 per gallon, down 7.7 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.44 per gallon.
  • Orange County — $3.41 per gallon, down 7.0 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.48 per gallon.
  • Los Angeles — $3.44 per gallon, down 8.0 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.52 per gallon.

“Average gas prices have continued to move lower in most states in the last week as retail prices continue to catch up to the low price of oil. 27 states boast a low price of $2 per gallon or less, and Missouri’s statewide average will likely fall under $2 per gallon this week, representing the first state to cross the psychological barrier,” Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy said in a prepared statement. “While the going has been good at most gas pumps, OPEC countries did agree to curb oil production, but the cut was smaller than we had expected, and for a shorter duration than anticipated, resulting in a small upward move in oil, one that may not immediately curb the declines. We appear poised to see the national average drop perhaps at least one more week- and we could close this week with the nation’s average in the $2.30s- the lowest in over a year.”

For LIVE fuel price averages, visit here.