North State gas prices drop again

The average price of gasoline in Northern California dropped another 26 cents per gallon from last month, and that should mean savings for holiday travelers, AAA Northern California reported.

None of the metro areas tracked by AAA saw any less than a 9 cent decrease since the last survey was released in November.

"Prices at the pump have steadily declined across the country as demand continues to be low and supplies remain robust," Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokeswoman, said in a statement.

While the demand will increase slightly for the holidays, overall demand is expected to remain low into 2013, which will keep downward pressure on gasoline prices, AAA reported.

Lower crude oil prices have also contributed to the cheaper gas prices paid by consumers.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in California was $3.62, down 23 cents, and Northern California's average cost is $3.56, AAA reported.

Nationally, the average price was reported at $3.33, down 11 cents since the November survey.

The Marysville metro area saw a 27 cent decline to $3.46, while the Chico area dropped 26 cents to $3.50 and the Redding area was at $3.53, a 34 cent fall. The Sacramento area experienced a 42 cent decline to $3.44 per gallon, the same as Ukiah; the biggest decreases in Northern California.