California gas prices stabilize after spike, begin to fall ... slowly (map)

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A tanker truck driver transfers gasoline into an underground tank.

California gas prices have begun to fall after a month that saw them surge by nearly 50 cents a gallon — but a continuing refinery shutdown may keep supplies short.

The AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report says the average price of regular Wednesday morning dropped just below $4.67 a gallon, down a half cent from Tuesday. It's still the highest price in the nation, however.

The top average price in the state is $4.75 a gallon in the San Luis Obispo area.

State officials predicted prices would fall after Gov. Jerry Brown ordered early production of a winter fuel blend to replace costlier summer blends.

The spike was partly driven by an August fire that partially closed a Richmond refinery. Chevron says it will remain closed through December.