California Gas Prices Near Nadir?

It might be time to fill up your tanks, as California gas prices appear to be bottoming out:

Experts say the two-month decline will likely end in the next few weeks as refineries begin temporary shutdowns to gear up for producing summer blends of gasoline and demand for fuel begins to rebound.

After that, most analysts expect prices to begin climbing again, squeezing not only consumers but also retailers of unbranded gasoline, who have taken advantage of surpluses to scoop up bargains and undercut the prices of major oil companies.

"We are at, or very close to, the bottom of gasoline prices," said Michael Shames, executive director of San Diego's Utility Consumers' Action Network. "When the decline is over, there is going to be a rude awakening. We are nervous that we're going to see $3 gas this spring."