California drivers may notice a jump in gas prices the next time they stop to fill up.
Gas prices across the country, including California, have increased in recent days. Experts say they could keep rising as tensions with Iran escalate, according to AAA.
“The conflict in the Middle East has sent crude oil prices higher,” AAA said in a March 5 news release.
However, the conflict overseas isn’t the only factor pushing prices up at the pump.
Here’s what’s driving the increase — and what drivers can do to save money on gas:
“The conflict in the Middle East has sent crude oil prices higher,” AAA said in a news release. Angela Rodriguez arodriguez@modbee.com How much did crude oil prices rise?
Crude oil briefly surged to about $119.50 per barrel on Monday, March 9, according to the Associated Press. Business Insider reports that prices have dropped to just over $90, as of Wednesday morning.
Crude oil is the main ingredient used to make gasoline and diesel, so when oil prices rise, drivers usually feel it at the pump.
Roughly half of what you pay at the pump comes from the cost of crude oil. The rest covers refining, transportation, marketing and taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
What is causing gas prices to rise in California?
Doug Johnson, a spokesperson for AAA, said the recent spike in gas prices is partly tied to the conflict in the Middle East, which has pushed crude oil prices higher and tightened global supply — but that’s not the only factor driving prices up.
“It’s complicated,” Johnson previously told The Sacramento Bee. “It’s not just all the Middle East.”
California refineries are also beginning the annual switch to summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce.
The Golden State requires all gas stations to sell the seasonal fuel starting April 1, and the change typically leads to higher prices at the pump.
Refinery changes are also limiting supply on the West Coast.
Johnson said that Phillips 66 shut down in late 2025, and the Valero Benicia Refinery is also set to close, putting additional pressure on gas prices.
With the conflict in the Middle East, seasonal fuel changes and fewer refineries operating, Johnson said prices are rising “all over the map.”
What are current gas prices in California?
As of Wednesday, March 11, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in California was about $5.34, according to AAA.
Just a week earlier, the average price was $4.74 per gallon.
Around this time in 2025, California drivers were paying about $4.69 a gallon.
Although the U.S. Energy Information Administration had previously predicted that gas prices in 2026 would be about 6% lower than in 2025, Johnson said recent global events have changed that outlook.
However, he said, prices could still fall later in the year if tensions involving Iran ease.
“We can’t predict what’s going to happen,” Johnson said.
Gas prices rise above $5 per gallon at gas stations at the intersection of Auburn Boulevard and Greenback Lane in Citrus Heights on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com How to find the cheapest gas stations in my area
GasBuddy is a price-tracking website designed to help motorists find the cheapest gas prices in their areas.
You can search for the most affordable gas stations in your area on the GasBuddy website.
Gas prices rise above $5 per gallon at gas stations at the intersection of Auburn Boulevard and Greenback Lane in Citrus Heights on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com Find the best gas prices
Don’t pay extra for premium gas: Most vehicles don’t need the highest — and most expensive — grade of gasoline, the Penny Hoarder website advised. Regular grade gasoline is fine unless your vehicle’s manufacturer explicitly requires premium.
Use a gas price app: Compare prices at nearby gas stations using GasBuddy, Waze, or AAA apps, USA Today suggested.
Take advantage of savings programs: Some grocery stores offer fuel rewards programs, and some credit cards offer points that can be used for fuel discounts, the publication said.
Also, be aware of whether your gas station charges more or less for paying with credit cards or cash.
Warehouse clubs and independent gas stations also may have lower prices, Penny Hoarder said.
Fill up earlier in the week: “Gas prices sometimes increase later in the week as travel demand rises before the weekend, although trends can vary by region,” Penny Hoarder reported.
A GasBuddy survey found that Sundays tend to be the best days to buy gas in the U.S.
Avoid highway gas stations: Gas stations along major highways often have higher prices, USA Today said.
Adopt good driving habits
Plan ahead: If you can’t cut down on vehicle trips by walking, bicycling or taking mass transit, then plan your trips more efficiently to conserve gas, AAA suggested. Combine errands into one trip, plan efficient routes and avoid high-traffic times of day if possible.
Slow down: Driving the speed limit on the highway uses less gas, AAA said. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard acceleration, which greatly boost fuel consumption.
“Reducing your speed to 65 on the highway can increase fuel economy by as much as 15 to 20 percent,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told Consumer Reports.
Aggressive driving can reduce your fuel economy by up to 33% on the highway or 5% in town, the U.S. Department of Energy said.
Using cruise control on the highway will help you maintain a constant rate of speed, conserving gas, the agency said.
Avoid extended idling: You don’t need to “warm up” your engine in winter, the U.S. Department of Energy said.
Shut your engine off if you’ll be idling for more than 60 seconds to save fuel. It only takes a few seconds of fuel to restart your vehicle.
Idling can use a quarter to a half-gallon of fuel per hour, the agency said.
Minimize your use of air conditioning: Although it can be difficult in California’s summer heat, keeping the air conditioning off will use less gas.
“Even at highway speeds, open windows have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor,” AAA said.
In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield screen to reduce heat buildup in your vehicle and, hence, the amount of air conditioning you’ll need to cool it back down.
Keep your vehicle in shape
Keep up with routine maintenance: A smooth-running engine uses less gasoline, Penny Hoarder said. Don’t wait for the “check engine” light to check your vehicle out.
Remove bulky items from your vehicle: It takes more gasoline to accelerate a heavier vehicle, so remove any extra weight, AAA said.
This also goes for roof racks and special carriers. Even an empty bike, canoe or ski rack can produce more wind drag on the highway and increase fuel consumption.
Keep your tires properly inflated: Under-inflated tires can reduce your gas mileage. Keep them pumped up to the recommended pressure, the U.S. Department of Energy said.
Besides, it’s safer and makes your tires last longer.
Use the right motor oil: Be sure you’re using the recommended grade of motor oil in your vehicle, which can help your fuel economy slightly, the agency said.
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Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.
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Don Sweeney has been a newspaper reporter and editor in California for more than 35 years. He is a service reporter based at The Sacramento Bee.