Posted at 2:18 p.m. PDT Tuesday, May 15, 2001

Gas prices continue to break records BY BAY CITY NEWS SERVICE

The California State Automobile Association said today that gas prices in Northern California increased to record levels this month and the Bay area continues to be above the average.

The average price of one gallon of regular unleaded self-serve gas in Northern California is up 8 cents from April to $1.98. The Bay Area average of $2.02 -- which is the highest level since November -- is up 9 cents from a month ago.

AAA spokeswoman Bronwyn Hogan said prices are expected to increase further after Memorial Day. ``This does not bode well for the summer driving season,'' she said.

San Francisco continues to lead the pack with the biggest increase of 11 cents since April and the highest price in Northern California at $2.13. The lowest price for a gallon of gas in the Bay area, according to the association, is $1.89 in Salinas.

Other prices in the Bay Area are $2.04 in San Jose, $2.03 in Oakland and $1.93 in Santa Rosa.

http://www.bayarea.com/c/breaking/docs/053248.htm

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), May 15, 2001