SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Gas prices are continuing to rise across the nation as the ongoing war in Iran disrupts global oil supplies, specifically in the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for about 20% of the world’s oil.
Record gas prices in California were not that long ago. Back in 2022, prices nearly reached $6.50 a gallon. While current prices are not at that level, there is growing concern over how quickly they are climbing.
“It’s crazy. I mean, I was paying $3.99 almost a month ago, and now it’s $5.39,” said Joseph De La Cruz.
“It is painful. I used to put $70 in my car, and right now I’m paying $100,” said Julio Lopez.
San Diego drivers like Lopez are having a hard time accepting the sharp rise in gas prices over the last few weeks, since the war in Iran began. Lopez drives frequently for work, and the rising costs are cutting into his profits.
“I used to only spend about $150 on gas weekly, but now I’m spending double,” he said.
As of Monday, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in San Diego County is $5.58. That’s one cent more than Sunday, 35 cents more than last week, and 97 cents more than last month.
“Gas prices were coming down, and now they’re going back up again. It’s frustrating,” said Phil Ainsworth.
That price is also five cents higher than the state average and nearly $2 higher than the U.S. average.
“What we deal with in California with regulations, refinery closures, international crises, all of these things contribute. But to me, it feels like regulations are the biggest issue. We have some of the most expensive gas in the country,” said Ainsworth.
The war in Iran is disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, which sees about one-fifth of the world’s oil pass through.
“If this continues, we could see something similar to what we saw in 2022. Those record prices, not just in California but in other states as well,” said Anlleyn Venegas, a senior public affairs specialist with AAA.
AAA says that with spring break season around the corner, increased demand for travel will put additional strain on supply.
“Another thing that’s going to affect gas prices in the near future is the switch to summer-blend gasoline. It’s expected to enter the market at the beginning of April, and we typically see gas prices increase between 15 and 25 cents per gallon,” said Venegas.
Most drivers are doing what they can to shop around for the best price possible.
“Twenty cents or even 10 cents a gallon, it makes a difference,” said Lopez.
“I usually go to Costco. It’s always a little cheaper there,” said Dela Cruz.
Experts recommend using apps to find the cheapest gas in your area.
AAA also suggests reducing unnecessary trips, limiting idling, removing excess weight from your vehicle, and lowering your speed.
Cutting back on air conditioning can also help, though that may be difficult during a warm week in San Diego.
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