Editorials

SAN FRANCISCO — Bay Area gasoline prices have plunged to their lowest levels since February 2000 because of the stumbling economy and the recent terrorist attacks, a recent report shows. 

The average price for a gallon of regular self-serve unleaded gas in the Bay Area is $1.66, down 13 cents from the past month, according to a monthly report by the California State Automobile Association. 

The decline is even larger when compared to record-high prices this summer. In June, Bay Area gas averaged $2.04 per gallon, a 38-cent difference. 

Currently, gas prices in San Francisco average $1.78, down 13 cents from October. In Oakland, prices average $1.70, down 14 cents from last month. Suburban areas are a little cheaper, with gas in Concord averaging $1.54, down 15 cents. Tracy has some of the cheapest gas prices at $1.43, down 17 cents. 

Bronwyn Hogan, CSAA spokeswoman said gas prices might increase during the next few weeks because of a surge in travel during Thanksgiving week.