How Much Is Gas In California today? At how.edu.vn, we understand that fluctuating fuel prices can significantly impact your budget and daily life. This detailed analysis provides up-to-date information on California gas prices, expert insights, and practical advice to help you navigate the fuel market effectively. We connect you with top PhDs and experts who can offer personalized guidance on managing fuel costs.
1. Understanding California Gas Prices: An Overview
California consistently faces some of the highest gasoline prices in the United States. This is due to a combination of factors, including strict environmental regulations, higher taxes, and unique supply and demand dynamics. Understanding these factors is crucial for Californians to anticipate and manage their fuel expenses.
1.1. Key Factors Influencing Gas Prices
Several elements contribute to the high cost of gasoline in California:
- Environmental Regulations: California’s stringent environmental regulations require cleaner-burning gasoline blends, which are more expensive to produce.
- Taxes and Fees: The state imposes higher taxes and fees on gasoline compared to the national average.
- Supply and Demand: California’s robust economy and large population create significant demand for gasoline.
- Infrastructure and Transportation: The state’s unique geography and infrastructure challenges can affect transportation costs.
- Global Oil Prices: Fluctuations in global oil prices directly impact the cost of gasoline.
1.2. Historical Trends in California Gas Prices
Examining historical trends provides context for current price levels. Gas prices in California have seen considerable volatility over the years, influenced by economic conditions, geopolitical events, and seasonal factors. The highest recorded average price for regular unleaded gas in California was $6.438 on June 14, 2022, while diesel hit $7.011 on June 18, 2022. Monitoring these trends helps consumers make informed decisions.
1.3. Current Average Gas Prices in California
As of today, the average gas prices in California are:
| Fuel Type | Current Average Price |
|---|---|
| Regular | $4.887 |
| Mid-Grade | $5.085 |
| Premium | $5.263 |
| Diesel | $5.036 |
These prices are updated daily to reflect the latest market conditions. For specific metro area prices, refer to the detailed breakdown in the sections below.
2. Regional Gas Price Variations in California
Gas prices can vary significantly across different regions and cities within California. Factors such as local taxes, transportation costs, and competition among gas stations contribute to these disparities.
2.1. Metro Area Price Breakdowns
Here’s a detailed look at gas prices in various California metro areas:
2.1.1. Bakersfield
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.711 | $4.684 | $4.579 | $4.660 | $5.008 |
| Mid | $4.956 | $4.882 | $4.778 | $4.848 | $5.226 |
| Premium | $5.132 | $5.075 | $5.023 | $5.057 | $5.390 |
| Diesel | $5.071 | $5.082 | $5.066 | $5.102 | $5.634 |
2.1.2. Chico-Paradise
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.757 | $4.732 | $4.574 | $4.729 | $4.982 |
| Mid | $4.905 | $4.851 | $4.810 | $4.940 | $5.154 |
| Premium | $5.064 | $4.995 | $4.928 | $5.071 | $5.318 |
| Diesel | $4.833 | $4.796 | $4.888 | $4.883 | $5.129 |
2.1.3. Fresno
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.816 | $4.779 | $4.620 | $4.788 | $5.009 |
| Mid | $5.003 | $4.960 | $4.836 | $4.986 | $5.198 |
| Premium | $5.207 | $5.156 | $5.055 | $5.214 | $5.392 |
| Diesel | $5.103 | $5.085 | $5.081 | $5.094 | $5.414 |
2.1.4. Los Angeles-Long Beach
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.891 | $4.867 | $4.659 | $4.748 | $5.163 |
| Mid | $5.097 | $5.070 | $4.879 | $4.964 | $5.364 |
| Premium | $5.258 | $5.226 | $5.033 | $5.124 | $5.514 |
| Diesel | $5.037 | $5.018 | $5.007 | $5.117 | $5.444 |
2.1.5. Merced
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.784 | $4.746 | $4.596 | $4.729 | $5.099 |
| Mid | $4.986 | $4.963 | $4.844 | $4.963 | $5.297 |
| Premium | $5.247 | $5.205 | $5.070 | $5.238 | $5.487 |
| Diesel | $5.020 | $5.059 | $5.019 | $5.044 | $5.322 |
2.1.6. Modesto
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.768 | $4.714 | $4.479 | $4.705 | $4.987 |
| Mid | $4.973 | $4.915 | $4.707 | $4.954 | $5.224 |
| Premium | $5.243 | $5.165 | $4.954 | $5.173 | $5.420 |
| Diesel | $5.066 | $5.054 | $5.042 | $5.073 | $5.328 |
2.1.7. Oakland
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $5.006 | $4.960 | $4.760 | $4.941 | $5.185 |
| Mid | $5.224 | $5.159 | $5.005 | $5.180 | $5.413 |
| Premium | $5.407 | $5.362 | $5.181 | $5.362 | $5.576 |
| Diesel | $5.142 | $5.124 | $5.117 | $5.169 | $5.448 |
2.1.8. Orange County
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.858 | $4.844 | $4.609 | $4.711 | $5.125 |
| Mid | $5.061 | $5.037 | $4.818 | $4.926 | $5.341 |
| Premium | $5.218 | $5.194 | $4.969 | $5.075 | $5.477 |
| Diesel | $4.874 | $4.861 | $4.841 | $4.966 | $5.271 |
2.1.9. Redding
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.741 | $4.705 | $4.560 | $4.763 | $4.933 |
| Mid | $4.863 | $4.775 | $4.635 | $4.962 | $5.087 |
| Premium | $5.030 | $4.998 | $4.915 | $5.094 | $5.267 |
| Diesel | $4.853 | $4.864 | $4.823 | $4.876 | $5.112 |
2.1.10. Riverside
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.774 | $4.741 | $4.514 | $4.609 | $5.059 |
| Mid | $4.974 | $4.930 | $4.724 | $4.819 | $5.263 |
| Premium | $5.145 | $5.109 | $4.896 | $4.992 | $5.425 |
| Diesel | $4.889 | $4.864 | $4.858 | $4.993 | $5.268 |
2.1.11. Sacramento
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.949 | $4.896 | $4.669 | $4.916 | $5.125 |
| Mid | $5.138 | $5.094 | $4.896 | $5.127 | $5.331 |
| Premium | $5.340 | $5.301 | $5.114 | $5.348 | $5.511 |
| Diesel | $5.086 | $5.069 | $5.045 | $5.103 | $5.271 |
2.1.12. Salinas
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $5.107 | $5.063 | $4.833 | $5.025 | $5.225 |
| Mid | $5.209 | $5.196 | $4.995 | $5.188 | $5.377 |
| Premium | $5.445 | $5.415 | $5.233 | $5.411 | $5.611 |
| Diesel | $5.337 | $5.329 | $5.290 | $5.290 | $5.630 |
2.1.13. San Diego
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.888 | $4.866 | $4.676 | $4.755 | $5.154 |
| Mid | $5.085 | $5.043 | $4.883 | $4.963 | $5.363 |
| Premium | $5.254 | $5.230 | $5.053 | $5.142 | $5.509 |
| Diesel | $4.924 | $4.919 | $4.920 | $5.003 | $5.317 |
2.1.14. San Francisco
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $5.108 | $5.034 | $4.803 | $4.965 | $5.267 |
| Mid | $5.288 | $5.242 | $5.018 | $5.190 | $5.473 |
| Premium | $5.476 | $5.422 | $5.208 | $5.362 | $5.655 |
| Diesel | $5.240 | $5.243 | $5.240 | $5.279 | $5.532 |
2.1.15. San Jose
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.997 | $4.940 | $4.706 | $4.860 | $5.135 |
| Mid | $5.188 | $5.120 | $4.928 | $5.087 | $5.341 |
| Premium | $5.362 | $5.304 | $5.097 | $5.262 | $5.513 |
| Diesel | $5.110 | $5.098 | $5.096 | $5.132 | $5.400 |
2.1.16. San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $5.088 | $5.045 | $4.883 | $5.012 | $5.250 |
| Mid | $5.277 | $5.260 | $5.124 | $5.219 | $5.418 |
| Premium | $5.444 | $5.405 | $5.274 | $5.433 | $5.572 |
| Diesel | $5.380 | $5.353 | $5.361 | $5.423 | $5.786 |
2.1.17. Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.818 | $4.795 | $4.627 | $4.689 | $5.114 |
| Mid | $4.978 | $4.973 | $4.802 | $4.861 | $5.299 |
| Premium | $5.134 | $5.123 | $4.955 | $5.013 | $5.417 |
| Diesel | $4.944 | $4.959 | $4.956 | $4.985 | $5.494 |
2.1.18. Santa Cruz-Watsonville
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $5.073 | $5.056 | $4.896 | $4.961 | $5.169 |
| Mid | $5.285 | $5.253 | $5.143 | $5.236 | $5.396 |
| Premium | $5.490 | $5.471 | $5.332 | $5.409 | $5.552 |
| Diesel | $5.221 | $5.218 | $5.242 | $5.236 | $5.570 |
2.1.19. Santa Rosa
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $5.191 | $5.119 | $4.906 | $5.080 | $5.234 |
| Mid | $5.389 | $5.330 | $5.114 | $5.282 | $5.432 |
| Premium | $5.588 | $5.528 | $5.303 | $5.469 | $5.594 |
| Diesel | $5.281 | $5.275 | $5.261 | $5.327 | $5.457 |
2.1.20. Stockton-Lodi
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.804 | $4.756 | $4.484 | $4.712 | $5.054 |
| Mid | $5.030 | $4.999 | $4.764 | $4.941 | $5.258 |
| Premium | $5.227 | $5.178 | $4.940 | $5.146 | $5.457 |
| Diesel | $4.984 | $4.975 | $4.921 | $4.977 | $5.362 |
2.1.21. Vallejo-Fairfield
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.940 | $4.907 | $4.695 | $4.876 | $5.106 |
| Mid | $5.166 | $5.161 | $4.949 | $5.112 | $5.323 |
| Premium | $5.341 | $5.334 | $5.112 | $5.296 | $5.491 |
| Diesel | $5.100 | $5.085 | $5.072 | $5.132 | $5.338 |
2.1.22. Ventura
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.910 | $4.876 | $4.670 | $4.737 | $5.170 |
| Mid | $5.083 | $5.048 | $4.882 | $4.939 | $5.368 |
| Premium | $5.265 | $5.230 | $5.037 | $5.102 | $5.517 |
| Diesel | $5.162 | $5.152 | $5.122 | $5.179 | $5.535 |
2.1.23. Visalia-Tulare-Porterville
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.825 | $4.788 | $4.630 | $4.760 | $5.037 |
| Mid | $5.061 | $4.998 | $4.918 | $4.999 | $5.251 |
| Premium | $5.256 | $5.226 | $5.132 | $5.199 | $5.460 |
| Diesel | $5.119 | $5.101 | $5.050 | $5.101 | $5.481 |
2.1.24. Yolo
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.841 | $4.795 | $4.571 | $4.848 | $5.049 |
| Mid | $5.058 | $5.041 | $4.835 | $5.061 | $5.261 |
| Premium | $5.258 | $5.214 | $5.055 | $5.287 | $5.455 |
| Diesel | $4.959 | $4.950 | $4.906 | $5.011 | $5.178 |
2.1.25. Yuba City
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.652 | $4.615 | $4.460 | $4.617 | $4.918 |
| Mid | $4.965 | $4.912 | $4.796 | $4.939 | $5.146 |
| Premium | $5.045 | $5.022 | $4.891 | $5.090 | $5.308 |
| Diesel | $4.876 | $4.871 | $4.866 | $4.910 | $5.217 |
2.1.26. El Centro
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.619 | $4.565 | $4.462 | $4.547 | $4.947 |
| Mid | $4.757 | $4.704 | $4.611 | $4.707 | $5.156 |
| Premium | $4.973 | $4.920 | $4.868 | $4.934 | $5.356 |
| Diesel | $4.937 | $4.924 | $4.907 | $4.986 | $5.514 |
2.1.27. Hanford-Corcoran
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.717 | $4.660 | $4.439 | $4.613 | $4.864 |
| Mid | $4.890 | $4.783 | $4.699 | $4.696 | $5.063 |
| Premium | $5.015 | $4.994 | $4.836 | $4.975 | $5.182 |
| Diesel | $5.048 | $4.983 | $4.992 | $5.069 | $5.314 |
2.1.28. Madera-Chowchilla
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.830 | $4.766 | $4.599 | $4.798 | $5.013 |
| Mid | $5.006 | $4.948 | $4.731 | $5.093 | $5.245 |
| Premium | $5.275 | $5.284 | $5.037 | $5.246 | $5.456 |
| Diesel | $5.049 | $5.037 | $5.010 | $5.036 | $5.535 |
2.1.29. Napa
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $5.121 | $5.078 | $4.860 | $5.042 | $5.218 |
| Mid | $5.255 | $5.178 | $5.034 | $5.243 | $5.379 |
| Premium | $5.462 | $5.387 | $5.237 | $5.421 | $5.556 |
| Diesel | $5.147 | $5.120 | $5.158 | $5.272 | $5.397 |
2.1.30. San Bernardino
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $4.732 | $4.708 | $4.491 | $4.621 | $5.054 |
| Mid | $4.938 | $4.897 | $4.700 | $4.798 | $5.244 |
| Premium | $5.110 | $5.092 | $4.867 | $4.999 | $5.418 |
| Diesel | $4.924 | $4.920 | $4.882 | $5.017 | $5.323 |
2.1.31. San Rafael
| Fuel Type | Current Avg. | Yesterday Avg. | Week Ago Avg. | Month Ago Avg. | Year Ago Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $5.130 | $5.056 | $4.753 | $4.975 | $5.278 |
| Mid | $5.289 | $5.192 | $4.938 | $5.206 | $5.473 |
| Premium | $5.485 | $5.421 | $5.149 | $5.382 | $5.654 |
| Diesel | $5.268 | $5.275 | $5.339 | $5.413 | $5.506 |
2.2. Factors Contributing to Regional Price Differences
Several factors account for the variations in gas prices across California:
- Local Taxes and Fees: Cities and counties may impose additional taxes and fees on gasoline sales.
- Transportation Costs: The distance from refineries and distribution centers affects transportation expenses.
- Competition Among Gas Stations: Areas with more competition often see lower prices.
- Real Estate Costs: Higher real estate costs in urban areas can lead to higher gas prices.
- Local Regulations: Some regions may have stricter environmental regulations, increasing production costs.
2.3. Tips for Finding the Cheapest Gas in Your Area
To find the most affordable gas prices in your locality, consider the following strategies:
- Use Gas Price Apps: Apps like GasBuddy, AAA Gas Prices, and Waze provide real-time price updates.
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