When did California drivers start reacting to high gasoline prices? Months before records were shattered.
The state Board of Equalization announced Friday that state drivers used significantly less gas in February than they did over the same period a year ago. California drivers consumed 1.2 billion gallons of gas, about 31.6 million gallons or 2.5 percent less than in February 2006.
This follows figures showing a drop in gas use for three consecutive quarters last year, the first such downward trend in more than 14 years. And it runs counter to the experience nationwide, where gas use increased by about 1percent last year.
“This could be another sign that Californians are rethinking their fuel use,” said Betty Yee, chairwoman of the equalization board.
More amazing, the decline came at a time gas was selling for $2.71 a gallon on average in the state. The California average now stands at $3.45 a gallon, and earlier this month a single-day record of $3.50 was reached.
Energy officials offer a couple of explanations. California leads the nation in the sale of hybrid cars that get close to 50 miles per gallon. And several drivers say they are slowing down to conserve gasoline.
Karsten Self of Menlo Park is now driving at the 65 mph speed limit and is getting 30 mpg in his Mazda, up from about 27 mpg.
At 17,600 miles a year and $3.50 for a gallon of gas, “that’s about $270 in annual fuel savings,” Self said.
The high prices also will boost transportation funding. State officials say they took in about $258million in gas taxes in February, about $10 million more than a year ago and twice as much as five years ago.
Contact Gary Richards at mrroadshow@mercurynews
.com or (408) 920-5335.
