As the busy holiday travel season rapidly approaches, state motorists are finally starting to see a dip in prices at the pump.

The average price of gas, which has been creeping up, has now dropped $0.06 cents in the last week.

This week the average price in the Golden State is $4.18, according to the AAA Northern California monthly gas survey.

Northern California’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $4.15, that’s $0.17 cents more than last month’s AAA report on April 8.

For perspective, California state average gas price is $0.14 higher on this date than it was a year ago.

“Even though today’s prices are higher than a month ago, all metro areas are experiencing a steady decline since last week, which is typical for this time of year, following refinery maintenance before the May 1 deadline to begin producing summer-blend fuel,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “Barring any unforeseen refinery maintenance issues that could push California gas prices up temporarily, state prices should continue to fall as we approach the Memorial Day holiday.”

The national average price per gallon today is $3.64 and has now fallen for 14 straight days, which is the longest streak since prices dropped 36 days in a row from Sept. 1-Oct. 7 of last year.

Another factor keeping downward pressure on prices through the summer is the country’s record high stockpile of gasoline.

Due to increased supplies and the relative absence of disruptions in production and distribution, drivers in many states are likely to see prices continue to fall.

Political tensions between in Russia and the Ukraine have kept oil prices elevated, and market analysts suggest it is unlikely that the tensions will ease in the near future.

At the close of formal trading on the NYMEX, WTI closed $0.60 higher at $100.59 per barrel. Today marks WTI’s first settlement above $100 after back-to-back settlements below this threshold. Including today’s settlement, WTI has now registered 45 settlements above $100 in 2014 and 45 settlements below.

The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Marysville where regular unleaded gasoline is $4.00 per gallon. Of all the metro areas tracked by AAA in Northern California, San Mateo has the high price at $4.26 per gallon of unleaded regular.

To get the best mileage possible, AAA recommends keeping tires at the proper pressure suggested by the vehicle manufacturer, performing routine maintenance and making sure fluids are clean and belts and hoses are in good repair. The way you drive can also impact fuel economy. Smooth driving to avoid sudden stops and starts, combining trips and lightening your load also helps conserve gasoline.

AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available, with over 100,000 self-serve stations surveyed every day, nationwide. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Group and Wright Express, LLC.