How gas prices have changed in Santa Cruz in the last week

Gasoline prices have fallen slightly over the last three straight weeks, providing some relief at the pump for drivers. In the last week, the national average for a gallon of gas has come down about 3 cents.

That national average still sits about 10 cents higher than at the same time in 2023. Analysts believe gas prices could continue to fall ahead of Memorial Day weekend, and oil market activity indicates that prices per barrel could fall further.

"Price drops could potentially accelerate after last week's jobs data shows the economy continues to cool off," GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said in a statement Monday. "While gas prices stand slightly above where they were last year, I expect most Americans will see prices fall before the holiday weekend, and I'm optimistic the trend could extend into June and beyond."

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of May 13.

Santa Cruz by the numbers
- Gas current price: $5.46
--- California average: $5.29
- Week change: -$0.06 (-1.1%)
- Year change: +$0.60 (+12.3%)
- Historical expensive gas price: $6.50 (6/14/22)

- Diesel current price: $5.56
- Week change: -$0.03 (-0.4%)
- Year change: +$0.01 (+0.2%)
- Historical expensive diesel price: $7.11 (6/16/22)

Metros with the most expensive gas
#1. Napa, CA: $5.58
#2. Santa Rosa, CA: $5.54
#3. Salinas, CA: $5.51

Metros with the least expensive gas
#1. Lawton, OK: $2.94
#2. San Angelo, TX: $2.99
#3. Amarillo, TX: $3.00

This story features writing by Dom DiFurio and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 371 metros.