For the second consecutive week, soaring gas prices have greeted Inland Empire motorists at the pump. Riverside gas prices have risen 12.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.17/g today, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 481 stations.

Soaring gas prices in Riverside are 59.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, yet stand 40.8 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Riverside is priced at $3.75/g today while the most expensive is $4.79/g, a difference of $1.04/g. The lowest price in the state today is $3.35/g while the highest is $5.52/g, a difference of $2.17/g. The cheapest price in the entire country today stands at $1.89/g while the most expensive is $5.52/g, a difference of $3.63/g.

The national average price of gasoline has risen 0.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.65/g today. Soaring gas prices aren’t just a local issue. The national average is up 9.6 cents per gallon from a month ago, yet stands 25.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

This isn’t the area’s first rodeo with soaring gas prices. Historical gasoline prices in Riverside and the national average going back a decade:

  • October 7, 2018: $3.76/g (U.S. Average: $2.91/g)
  • October 7, 2017: $3.01/g (U.S. Average: $2.48/g)
  • October 7, 2016: $2.76/g (U.S. Average: $2.26/g)
  • October 7, 2015: $2.94/g (U.S. Average: $2.29/g)
  • October 7, 2014: $3.62/g (U.S. Average: $3.27/g)
  • October 7, 2013: $3.80/g (U.S. Average: $3.33/g)
  • October 7, 2012: $4.66/g (U.S. Average: $3.82/g)
  • October 7, 2011: $3.76/g (U.S. Average: $3.38/g)
  • October 7, 2010: $3.00/g (U.S. Average: $2.76/g)
  • October 7, 2009: $3.02/g (U.S. Average: $2.44/g)

Neighboring areas and their current soaring gas prices:

  • San Bernardino — $4.15/g, up 11.6 cents per gallon from last week’s $4.03/g.
  • Orange County — $4.22/g, up 9.5 cents per gallon from last week’s $4.12/g.
  • Los Angeles — $4.24/g, up 10.5 cents per gallon from last week’s $4.14/g.

“It was a mixed bag for gas prices over the last week even as oil prices remained relatively low. California continued to lead the nation as prices skyrocketed, but appear to have peaked for now, while the Great Lakes states also saw prices march higher due to a price cycle. Other states saw some downward movement, but we appear ripe for a week that features more price decreases than increases, especially for hard-hit California,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “I believe we’re due for the national average to edge lower by perhaps five cents in the coming week as I believe increases should be limited due to oil’s drop in the last week fueled by continued worry over tariffs and trade, not with just China but now extending to Europe after the WTO agreed with the U.S. that Airbus was getting favorable treatment. Many motorists may scoff at such an issue affecting gas prices, but indeed, the threat of tariffs between such large trading partners is a serious issue that could result in slowdowns in both areas, leaving demand for oil lower and thus weighing on oil prices as a result.”

Image Sources

  • Gas Prices: Shutterstock