Wait! Gas Prices Are NOT Going Up?

It's an unusual phenomenon for this time of year.

As the thermometer rises, the prices at the gasoline pumps are dropping.

The price of a gallon of unleaded regular has fallen another nickel or so in the past week, marking a full month of declines.

Traditionally, gasoline prices rise after the Memorial Day weekend, but that has not been the case so far this season.

Nationally, the cost of a gallon of unleaded regular has dipped to $3.70, according to a California State Automobile Association web site that tracks gas prices. That's seven cents less than a week ago and 20 cents less than a month ago. It is, however, $1.27 higher than one year ago.

In California, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is now at $3.94. That's five cents less than last week and 24 cents cheaper than a month ago. It's $1.15 higher than in June, 2010.

In the East Bay, the average price for unleaded regular is now $3.92 a gallon. That's six cents less than a week ago and 26 cents cheaper than last month. It also is $1.15 higher than a year ago.

On some corners, the prices are even cheaper.

An Arco station on Center Street in Castro Valley is selling unleaded regular for $3.79 a gallon, according to gasbuddy.com.

The $3.79 price is matched at two Quik Stops in town as well as a Valero on Foothill Boulevard in San Leandro. It's the same price at an Arco station on Alcosta Boulevard in San Ramon.

It's even lower in Livermore, where a Gas and Shop on North Vasco Road has a listed price of $3.66. The Costco in that town is advertising unleaded regular at $3.69 a gallon.

In Alameda, however, the cheapest price listed on the gasbuddy site is $3.87 at the  at Park Street and Eagle Avenue.