Gas prices across California are nearing $6 a gallon, while the national average remains above $4.Here on the Central Coast, all three counties have crossed the $6 threshold for the first time in 2026.Monterey County is averaging $6.14 per gallon, San Benito County is at $6.10, and Santa Cruz County is hovering around $6, according to AAA.In the Salinas metropolitan area, regular gas is averaging $6.12 per gallon, up 4.5 cents from yesterday, 13.3 cents from last week, and 18.3 cents from a month ago.That is also $1.03 higher than a year ago, though still below the area’s highest recorded average price for regular unleaded — $6.598, set on June 14, 2022. That makes the Salinas area the fifth most expensive place in the state to fill up.In the Salinas area, diesel is averaging $7.655 per gallon, which is 17.3 cents higher than the state average of $7.482 and just below the area’s record diesel average of $7.812, set on April 9, 2026.California has the highest gas prices in the nation by far, above 30 cents higher than in Hawaii. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the recent uptick in gas prices is likely linked to continued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.The Chronicle reported that Iran has kept most ships out of the strait while the U.S. Navy blockades Iranian ports, tightening global oil supply and adding upward pressure to fuel prices in California.Experts say that prices are likely to remain high for a while even if teh strait reopens.
Gas prices across California are nearing $6 a gallon, while the national average remains above $4.
Here on the Central Coast, all three counties have crossed the $6 threshold for the first time in 2026.
Monterey County is averaging $6.14 per gallon, San Benito County is at $6.10, and Santa Cruz County is hovering around $6, according to AAA.
In the Salinas metropolitan area, regular gas is averaging $6.12 per gallon, up 4.5 cents from yesterday, 13.3 cents from last week, and 18.3 cents from a month ago.
That is also $1.03 higher than a year ago, though still below the area’s highest recorded average price for regular unleaded — $6.598, set on June 14, 2022. That makes the Salinas area the fifth most expensive place in the state to fill up.
In the Salinas area, diesel is averaging $7.655 per gallon, which is 17.3 cents higher than the state average of $7.482 and just below the area’s record diesel average of $7.812, set on April 9, 2026.
California has the highest gas prices in the nation by far, above 30 cents higher than in Hawaii.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the recent uptick in gas prices is likely linked to continued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
The Chronicle reported that Iran has kept most ships out of the strait while the U.S. Navy blockades Iranian ports, tightening global oil supply and adding upward pressure to fuel prices in California.
Experts say that prices are likely to remain high for a while even if teh strait reopens.