Consumers Should Expect Further Reductions in Gasoline Prices

    LOS ANGELES--Sept. 27, 2001--Motorists who have experienced two consecutive weeks of moderate price declines at the pump should see continued lower prices as local and national suppliers seek stability following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11.
    The Automobile Club of Southern California and the American Automobile Association join with U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham in pointing to abundant supplies of crude oil and refined gasoline.
    "Any continuing fears of limited supplies of gasoline are misplaced," said Carol Thorp, spokesperson for the Auto Club. "In the immediate aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., a few isolated retailers raised their gas prices. But the major oil companies moved quickly to end those isolated practices.
    "Over the past two weeks, the nation's gasoline supplies have remained normal for this time of year and demand is declining, causing pump prices to be lower."
    Average gasoline prices in major metropolitan areas:

                           Current        Sept. 13          Change

Los Angeles                 $1.591          $1.632      -4.1 cents

San Diego                   $1.724          $1.739      -1.5 cents

Santa Barbara-Santa Maria   $1.714          $1.752      -3.8 cents

    In addition, the Auto Club supports the steps outlined today by President George W. Bush and Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta designed to strengthen security at the nation's airports.
    The Auto Club and AAA agree with the administration's proposals to strengthen cockpit doors and to add air marshals. But they also agree that the first line of defense is passenger screening.