Average retail gasoline prices in Modesto have fallen 8.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.49/gallon Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 201 gas outlets in Modesto. This compares with the national average that has fallen 2.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.04/gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Areas nearby Modesto and their current gas price climate include: Stockton - $2.53/gallon, down 3.0 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.56/gallon; Oakland - $2.66/gallon, down 1.8 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.68/gallon; San Jose - $2.65/gallon, down 2.7 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.68/gallon.

Including the change in gas prices in Modesto during the past week, prices Sunday were 38.3 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 8.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 14.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 72.9 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“Gasoline prices over the weekend and holiday were certainly quite cheap compared to prior years and other holidays this year,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. “While some cities and states may see some slight bumps at the pump in the days ahead due to the fallout of the downing of a Russian fighter jet last week, we’re more focused on the upcoming OPEC meeting this coming weekend and the potential implications from any major change in oil production. There are expectations that OPEC will continue to kick the can down the road and not change production levels. If there are surprises either way, it could definitely be felt at the pump and into 2016.”

GasBuddy is the premiere source for real-time local gas prices. Founded in 2000, GasBuddy.com developed as an initiative to provide consumers access to local, current gas prices. Through the GasBuddy.com website and the free GasBuddy mobile app, users can find and share gas prices with fellow drivers, saving big money at the pump.