Gas prices at seven-month low in state

With summer winding down, California motorists are getting the benefit of the lowest gasoline prices in seven months and the prospect of continued declines, according to the AAA Northern California’s latest report.

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas was $3.87 on Friday, and $3.90 in Santa Rosa, the AAA Fuel Gauge Report said. Santa Rosa’s price was down a penny from a week ago and down 14 cents from a month ago.

A year ago, Santa Rosa’s gas price averaged $3.82.

With California refineries scheduled to begin the annual conversion to cheaper winter-blend gasoline in September, prices at the pump should continue to fall, said Cynthia Harris, an AAA spokeswoman.

California had the fifth most expensive gasoline among the 50 states on Friday, trailing Hawaii and Alaska - both over $4 a gallon - followed by Oregon and Washington. But the Golden State tied for the third largest monthly price decrease in the nation, the AAA said.