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Gas prices are continuing to climb across the country, with fuel experts warning that there is “no relief in sight.”
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The national average for regular gasoline has risen sharply over the past week, while California prices have climbed back to about $6 per gallon, according to AAA.
The increase comes just as the seasonal switch to cheaper winter-blend gasoline gets underway in much of the country.
However, ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns about global oil supplies are pushing prices higher instead of allowing the usual fall decline.
“Average gasoline and diesel prices rose in every state over the last week as geopolitical tensions escalated on multiple fronts, with friction between the U.S. and Iran, new hostilities in the Red Sea and the shutdown of Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline all combining to jolt prices sharply higher,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in a Monday, Sept. 14, news release.
California pump prices are now comparable to levels last seen in early June, according to AAA.
“New weekend attacks also knocked two additional Russian refineries offline, further straining global refined product supplies and likely offsetting any seasonal relief,” De Haan said.
Here’s what California drivers can expect to pay at the pump:
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What are current gas prices in California?
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline reached $4.27 on Thursday, Sept. 10, up about 13 cents from the previous week, according to AAA.
California prices have climbed even higher.
The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline reached about $6 on Monday, Sept. 14, roughly $1.68 more than the national average.
California gas prices have risen about 14 cents per gallon over the past week, according to AAA.
Despite the recent increase, regular gasoline remains below California’s all-time record. In June 2022, the state average reached about $6.44 per gallon.
However, diesel prices have reached a new record.
The average price for diesel in California hit $8.15 per gallon Monday, Sept. 14, according to AAA.
How much are gas prices in my area?
As of Monday, Sept. 14, these were the average per-gallon prices for regular gas at metropolitan areas around California:
- Bakersfield: $5.95 per gallon
- Chico-Paradise: $5.79
- El Centro: $5.75
- Fresno: $5.98
- Hanford-Corcoran: $5.95
- Los Angeles-Long Beach: $6.04
- Madera-Chowchila: $6.01
- Merced: $5.90
- Modesto: $5.82
- Napa: $6.16
- Oakland: $6.06
- Orange County: $6.01
- Redding: $5.81
- Riverside: $5.94
- Sacramento: $5.95
- Salinas: $6.16
- San Bernardino: $5.91
- San Diego: $6.07
- San Francisco: $6.16
- San Jose: $5.99
- San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles: $6.21
- San Rafael: $6.18
- Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc: $6.01
- Santa Cruz-Watsonville: $5.99
- Santa Rosa: $6.22
- Stockton-Lodi: $5.87
- Vallejo-Fairfield: $5.95
- Ventura: $5.94
- Visalia-Tulare-Porterville: $5.97
- Yolo: $5.92
- Yuba City: $5.73
When will California switch to winter-blend gasoline?
California drivers typically see some relief at the pump in the fall as refineries transition from more expensive summer-blend gasoline to cheaper winter-blend fuel.
The seasonal switch begins in September, and many states can start selling winter-blend gasoline on Sept. 15.
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In California, summer-blend gasoline is required through Oct. 31, according to AAA.
That means California drivers might have to wait longer to see any relief from the seasonal change.
“Most refiners will deplete the remainder of their summer supply before making the switch to winter-blends so it could take a bit longer before you notice a difference at the pumps,” AAA said.
The transition also happens gradually, beginning in northern states before moving south.
Local weather and other market conditions can also speed up or delay the change, according to AAA.
Why are California gas prices rising when they usually fall?
According to AAA, the national average is rising “during a season when gas prices typically go down due to lower gasoline demand.”
Geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global oil and refined-fuel supplies are working against that seasonal trend.
According to GasBuddy, tensions involving the United States and Iran, renewed hostilities in the Red Sea, the shutdown of Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline and attacks that knocked two Russian refineries offline have all contributed to tighter global fuel supplies.
Concerns about instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, are also putting pressure on crude oil prices, according to AAA.
The latest data from Business Insider shows crude oil prices nearing $105 per barrel, as of Monday, Sept. 14.
“While most of the country transitions to cheaper winter-blend gasoline this week, the scale of ongoing geopolitical escalations makes meaningful price relief unlikely in the near term,” De Haan said. “Motorists should brace for continued volatility ahead.”
How can I find the cheapest gas stations near me?
If you’re looking to save money on your Labor Day road trip, comparing prices before filling up can help.
GasBuddy allows drivers to search for gas stations and compare fuel prices in their area.
You can use the GasBuddy website to find stations with the lowest reported prices near you before heading to the pump.
Have a question about life in California?
How to California— a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.
We’ll answer your questions — big and small — about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.
Ask your questions in the form below (can’t see it? Click here) or email [email protected].
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