U.S. gas prices turn lower

updated 12:08 p.m. ET May 22, 2006

CAMARILLO, Calif. - The average retail price of a gallon of gas fell about 1.45 cents across the nation during the past two weeks, the first drop since prices began a steady climb in late February, according to a survey released Sunday.

Self-serve regular averaged about $2.93 a gallon, down from about $2.95 two weeks ago, said Trilby Lundberg, who publishes the nationwide Lundberg Survey of roughly 7,000 gas stations.

The average price of mid-grade was $3.03 a gallon, down from $3.04. Premium hit $3.13 a gallon, compared with $3.14 two weeks ago.

The survey covered the period from May 6 through May 19.

Gas prices have climbed more than 70 cents since Feb. 24, when self-serve regular was $2.24.

Of the stations surveyed, the highest average price in the nation for regular unleaded was found in San Diego at $3.40 a gallon. The lowest was in Wichita, Kansas, where drivers paid an average of $2.59 a gallon.

Among the California cities surveyed, Sacramento had the lowest average price for regular unleaded at $3.22.

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