California Gas Prices Approach $6 Amid Rising National Averages
Gasoline prices in California near $6 per gallon as national averages climb, driven by geopolitical tensions and seasonal factors.
Gasoline prices in California are nearing $6 per gallon, with the state's average reaching $5.965 as of April 28, 2026. This increase aligns with the national average, which has risen to $4.176 per gallon, up from $4.111 the previous day.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, noted that average gasoline prices rose in 39 states over the last week, with the national average moving higher, while diesel prices declined in most states, offering a brief divergence at the pump. He attributed the rise to climbing oil prices influenced by renewed geopolitical tensions and the cancellation of talks between the U.S. and Iran.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that as of April 20, 2026, the national average for regular gasoline was $4.044 per gallon, with the West Coast averaging $5.320 per gallon.
California's higher prices are influenced by factors such as state fuel taxes, environmental regulations, and the transition to summer-blend gasoline.
Analysts anticipate continued volatility in fuel prices due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and seasonal demand increases.