Carson City leads cheap gas parade

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2001 | 6:08 a.m.

The Nevada Automobile Association of America's survey puts the capital city's pump prices at the bottom of the state list at $1.53 a gallon, 11 cents below the statewide average of $1.64.

Many Carson City stations are in the $1.45-$1.49 range, although stations on the north and south ends of town are posting prices of $1.38 for a gallon of premium unleaded self-serve. That's shy of the national average of $1.47.

AAA said Carson's prices are down 9 cents from a month ago and barely trail Reno's $1.55 a gallon, which is down 13 cents. Sparks is in the middle at $1.54 cents. It's a new listing this month so there's no comparison price.

Las Vegas motorists are paying $1.65 a gallon, a dime less than a month ago, while Elko motorists are paying $1.60, but are saving 17 cents from December's prices.

On the down side, Nevada's average is the fourth highest in the nation, behind Hawaii, Alaska and California at $2.01, $1.70 and $1.65.

And, AAA spokeswoman Lisa Foster said the steep price drop probably is bottoming out.

"We expect prices will continue to drop a few more cents in the next several weeks, then stabilize until May or June." she said.

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