West OC Times

There was a single gas station in cities across Orange County selling premium gas at the lowest price of $3.72 per gallon in the week ending Dec. 7, according to customer reports submitted to GasBuddy.com.

The average reported cost of premium gas in cities within Orange County was $4.61 per gallon.

Of the 593 reported gas stations in cities within Orange County, 390 offer premium gas.

The average reported price of premium gas in California was $4.65, compared to $4.68 the week before.

Drivers across the U.S. have faced a rollercoaster of gas prices in recent months and years. Though the cost of a gallon of gas is dropping, experts suggest they may rise to $4 before the end of 2024.

Many analysts blame the COVID-19 pandemic for crushing oil demand and then oil production and Russia's war against Ukraine.

Gas data refers to the price of gas when paid for by cash, not credit. Gas stations can charge drivers more for using credit cards due to surcharge fees. This is prohibited in 10 U.S. states.

While data is accurate as of press time, note that gas prices can fluctuate daily or even hourly.