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California drivers are used to paying some of the highest gas prices in the nation.
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Now, the cost of filling up is climbing again — and fuel experts warn there are “further increases possible.”
The increase comes when gas prices typically begin to decline as summer driving season ends and refineries switch to cheaper winter-blend gasoline.
Instead, geopolitical tensions, refinery disruptions and concerns about global oil supplies are pushing prices higher across the country.
“Typically, the start of autumn brings lower gas prices, but lingering volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and the high cost of crude oil are driving up pump prices,” AAA said in a Thursday, Sept. 24, news release.
Here’s what California drivers can expect to pay at the pump:
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Our community-driven series — How to California — is here to answer your questions about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel in the Golden State.
McClatchy’s service journalism team, focused on helping our readers navigate daily life, works in communities across the state, including San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Merced, Modesto and Sacramento.
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How much have gas prices risen nationwide?
The national average for regular gasoline reached $4.48 per gallon on Monday, Sept. 28, according to AAA.
AAA said this is the most expensive September on record. The previous September record was $3.83 in 2023.
In June 2022, the national average reached an all-time high of about $5.02 per gallon.
Diesel prices have also surged, with the national average reaching a record $6.53 per gallon on Sept. 22, according to AAA.
How do California gas prices compare nationwide?
While prices have eased in some parts of the country, the West Coast has been moving upward, according to GasBuddy.
“Average gasoline prices fell in slightly more than half of states over the last week, with the Great Lakes seeing the largest declines after a major refinery successfully restarted,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in a Monday, Sept. 28, news release. “The West Coast moved in the opposite direction as refinery snags there sent prices jumping significantly.”
California drivers are currently paying the highest gas prices in the country, with every other state’s average below $6 per gallon.
The average price of regular gasoline in California climbed to $6.37 per gallon on Monday, Sept. 28. That is about $1.89 more than the national average.
The Golden State’s average has risen roughly 20 cents in the past week, from $6.17 per gallon, according to AAA.
Gas prices are about $1.72 higher than they were a year ago, when the state average was $4.65 per gallon.
What are current gas prices in my California city?
As of Monday, Sept. 28, these were the average per-gallon prices for regular gas at metropolitan areas around California:
- Bakersfield: $6.30 per gallon
- Chico-Paradise: $6.14
- El Centro: $6.08
- Fresno: $6.40
- Hanford-Corcoran: $6.30
- Los Angeles-Long Beach: $6.41
- Madera-Chowchila: $6.37
- Merced: $6.22
- Modesto: $6.15
- Napa: $6.50
- Oakland: $6.42
- Orange County: $6.39
- Redding: $6.18
- Riverside: $6.30
- Sacramento: $6.29
- Salinas: $6.51
- San Bernardino: $6.30
- San Diego: $6.39
- San Francisco: $6.56
- San Jose: $6.38
- San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles: $6.57
- San Rafael: $6.58
- Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc: $6.35
- Santa Cruz-Watsonville: $6.35
- Santa Rosa: $6.60
- Stockton-Lodi: $6.22
- Vallejo-Fairfield: $6.32
- Ventura: $6.31
- Visalia-Tulare-Porterville: $6.39
- Yolo: $6.29
- Yuba City: $6.07
How close is California to breaking its gas price record?
California gas prices have already surpassed the state’s previous 2026 high.
The average price for regular gasoline reached $6.16 per gallon in May, making it the state’s most expensive average of 2026 at that point.
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The current average is 20 cents higher, at $6.37 per gallon.
However, California has not yet passed its all-time record.
In June 2022, the statewide gas average climbed to about $6.44 per gallon, according to AAA.
That puts the state’s current average less than 10 cents below the record.
California diesel prices have also reached record levels.
The average price for diesel hit $8.44 per gallon Sept. 22, surpassing the previous record of $8.42 set Sept. 20.
Why are California gas prices rising again?
California gas prices are climbing at a time of year when they would normally begin to fall.
AAA said prices are rising “during a season when gas prices typically go down due to lower gasoline demand.”
Several factors are working against that seasonal trend, including geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global supplies of crude oil and refined fuel.
Concerns about instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, are putting upward pressure on crude oil prices, AAA said.
Oil prices rose after President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal involving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as tensions between the two nations increased, according to GasBuddy.
Increased vessel traffic through the strait has not restored flows to pre-conflict levels, leaving global oil markets undersupplied, GasBuddy said.
The latest data from Business Insider showed crude oil prices nearing $105 per barrel, as of Monday, Sept. 28.
“The broader geopolitical situation remains fluid and could push prices in either direction with little warning, and with Trump still weighing a diesel export ban, impacts could follow,” De Haan said.
Could California gas prices get even higher?
Fuel prices could remain volatile in the coming weeks.
De Haan said some parts of the country could see declines if oil prices drop below $100 per barrel, but the West Coast faces additional pressure due to refinery issues.
“Diesel in the Great Lakes should also begin easing, though that relief may take several more days to materialize,” De Haan said. “With oil holding below $100 per barrel, many Americans may see modest declines ahead for gasoline and slight drops for diesel, but the West Coast faces continued pressure with further increases possible.”
For California drivers, that means relief at the pump is far from guaranteed.
How can I find the cheapest gas stations near me?
If you’re looking to save money at the pump, 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.
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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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This story was originally published September 28, 2026 at 1:29 PM.