Gas prices dropping in Nevada, for now

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1999 | 9:05 a.m.

Gasoline prices are lower than they've been in a while in Nevada. But officials say it probably won't last for long.

National gas prices rose about two cents from August to September.

But prices across Nevada have dropped about eight cents on average in the past month as the summer driving season came to an end.

The biggest drop was in the Carson City area, where prices fell 12 cents to an average of $1.53 per gallon for self-serve unleaded.

Prices dropped about eight cents in Reno to an average of $1.65 - down from a record-high $1.73 the month before.

The smallest dip, about three cents, was in Las Vegas but that's still the cheapest place in the state to fuel up at about $1.41 per gallon.

A similar trend is reported in California.

"Things are getting better," said Paul Moreno of the California State Automotive Association. "It's not much to get excited about, however."

According to the CSAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded, self-serve gas decreased this month by 10 cents to $1.64 in San Francisco, eight cents to $1.58 in San Jose and Santa Rosa and five cents to $1.59 in Oakland.

Higher crude oil prices will keep gas costs higher than last year, officials say. Crude oil has doubled to $24 a barrel since January.

Gas prices traditionally fall after Labor Day as school resumes and family vacations dwindle.

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