Calif. takes steps to cut gas prices

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SACRAMENTO, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Gov. Jerry Brown Sunday ordered the California Air Resources Board to take emergency steps to increase the state's gasoline supply and reduce prices.

In a letter, Brown told the board to immediately allow oil refineries to make an early transition to winter-blend gasoline. Winter-blend gasoline typically isn't sold until after Oct. 31, Brown's office said.

Winter-blend gasoline evaporates more quickly than the gasoline sold in summer months, which is better for air quality during the smog season, the office said. Allowing the early transition to winter-blend gasoline could increase California's fuel supply by an estimated 8-10 percent.

The Los Angeles Times said the average price of regular gas in California hit a record $4.655 Sunday, according to the AAA's daily fuel gauge report -- a hike of 4.1 cents overnight.