Last Updated on July 3, 2025 by The HD Post Staff

CALIFORNIA – The Auto Club of Southern California announced June 3 that gas prices keep falling despite some state tax and clean fuel policies expected to raise costs.

Governor Gavin Newsom said last week that there are two separate changes to fuel prices expected on or around July 1 – a gas tax increase of 1.6 cents and updated fuel standards that could translate to 5 to 8 cents.

However, the Auto Club found that the average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.56, which is six cents lower than a week ago and 23 cents lower than a year ago today. 

The average national price is $3.16, which is six cents higher than a week ago and 35 cents lower than on this date last year.

After the Middle East ceasefire, oil prices continue to trade at $65 a barrel 

In San Bernardino, the average price is $4.44, which is three cents lower than last week and 25 cents lower than this time last year.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.56 per gallon, which is five cents lower than last week and 22 cents less than last year. 

“Oil prices continue to trade at about $65 a barrel after the Middle East ceasefire, putting downward pressure on gas prices locally and nationwide,” said Auto Club spokesperson Doug Shupe. 

He adds that while California’s fuel excise tax increased by 1.6 cents a gallon on Tuesday and a new state fuel air quality requirement also took effect Tuesday, pump prices have continued to drop so far.

Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on July 3, averages are:

RELATED: California gas prices set to rise up to 9.6 cents per gallon on or around July 1