Political Tensions With Iran, Summertime Blend Behind Sharp Spike in Gas Prices

Gas prices have skyrocketed over the past month, jumping by nearly 50 cents to an average of $4.35 per gallon in Petaluma, according to a report released this week by AAA. That matches a trend across the Bay Area, AAA officials said.

Even the cheapest station in Petaluma, CGES on Tomales Road, has gone up dramatically over the past month to $4.30 per gallon. That’s compared to an average price of $4.36 across the state and $3.82 around the country.

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The increase in local gas prices outpaces the jump in average prices nationwide; AAA officials said that across the country, gas prices rose by 30 cents, to $3.81 per gallon, from February to March.

AAA spokesman Matt Skryja said increased buying activity by investors in oil and gas futures and political tensions with Iran have pushed prices upward over the past month. He noted, however, that prices appear to have flattened on Wednesday as “concerns over a slowing economy in China and easing tensions with Iran helped pull down the price of oil.”

According to the AAA report, San Rafael and San Francisco are among the highest average gas prices for March at $4.43 per gallon of regular unleaded. Vallejo is among the lowest in the region at $4.31, according to AAA.

Skryja said seasonal fluctuations are typical, particularly in April, when summer fuel blends, which make sure that gasoline doesn't vaporize as temperatures rise but require more expensive additives to do so, are introduced. But drivers don’t normally see a spike in gas prices in March, he said.

The high prices come despite dropping demand for oil -- a U.S. Department of Energy report released last week found that the nation was using 8.36 million barrels a day, the lowest rate since March 2001.

To get the best mileage possible, AAA recommends keeping tires at the proper pressure suggested by the vehicle manufacturer, performing routine maintenance and making sure fluids are clean and belts and hoses are in good repair. The organization also recommends avoiding sudden stops and starts, planning errands and lightening your load also help conserve gasoline.

What are you doing to cut down on gas? Share your thoughts and ideas below.