Gas prices in California have surged by more than 50 cents per gallon in the past week, according to AAA.The price is driven by the Iran conflict, disrupting crude oil trade and local refinery shutdowns in California.Drivers in Northern California are feeling the impact at the pump. “I think it’s ridiculous that they keep raising the gas prices on us because pretty soon we’re not going to even be able to drive,” said Revena Edwards. Another driver added, “They’re high, almost $5 a gallon is ridiculous.”As gas prices continue to rise, drivers are finding ways to save money. “I just have cut down on driving, I guess,” said Hermelinda Venegas. Others are turning to carpooling or using apps like GasBuddy to find cheaper options.The Iran conflict is blamed for the increase, as it has disrupted crude oil trade. “What’s going on is supply and demand. When you have Iran supplying not the United States, but India and China, and now that’s kind of cut off,” said Doug Johnson, a spokesperson for AAA. “India and China are going to have to find another source to get their oil, and they’re going to the same sources we go to. So everybody is trying to get oil from the same places, and it really drives up demand.”Other factors are contributing to the price hike, including the switch to the more expensive summer blend of gas and the shutdown of refineries in California. “We’re losing refineries. PHILLIPS 66, down in Carson, Southern California. It closed late last year. And next month, we are going to lose Valero’s Benicia refinery. So we’re just down to two refineries in the Bay Area. And that’s really going to hurt at the pump here in Northern California,” said Johnson.Drivers are expressing their frustration with the situation. “We keep bombing all the Middle East places, and they’re just going to respond that way, so we don’t have a choice, really,” said Bill Delapp. Another driver commented, “The way the government runs California, I don’t think that’s helping either.”While drivers cannot control the price at the pump, AAA suggests they can adjust their behaviors to mitigate the impact. “Using navigation apps like Google Maps to make sure you’re taking the quickest route and that you’re not leaving at rush hour times. And then, you know, you’re going to the grocery store, the pharmacy school, do all that in one trip rather than taking multiple trips,” AAA advised.AAA also noted that driving habits can make a difference, as quick acceleration and hard braking can waste up to 30% of fuel.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Gas prices in California have surged by more than 50 cents per gallon in the past week, according to AAA.

The price is driven by the Iran conflict, disrupting crude oil trade and local refinery shutdowns in California.

Drivers in Northern California are feeling the impact at the pump.

“I think it’s ridiculous that they keep raising the gas prices on us because pretty soon we’re not going to even be able to drive,” said Revena Edwards.

Another driver added, “They’re high, almost $5 a gallon is ridiculous.”

As gas prices continue to rise, drivers are finding ways to save money.

“I just have cut down on driving, I guess,” said Hermelinda Venegas.

Others are turning to carpooling or using apps like GasBuddy to find cheaper options.

The Iran conflict is blamed for the increase, as it has disrupted crude oil trade.

“What’s going on is supply and demand. When you have Iran supplying not the United States, but India and China, and now that’s kind of cut off,” said Doug Johnson, a spokesperson for AAA. “India and China are going to have to find another source to get their oil, and they’re going to the same sources we go to. So everybody is trying to get oil from the same places, and it really drives up demand.”

Other factors are contributing to the price hike, including the switch to the more expensive summer blend of gas and the shutdown of refineries in California.

“We’re losing refineries. PHILLIPS 66, down in Carson, Southern California. It closed late last year. And next month, we are going to lose Valero’s Benicia refinery. So we’re just down to two refineries in the Bay Area. And that’s really going to hurt at the pump here in Northern California,” said Johnson.

Drivers are expressing their frustration with the situation.

“We keep bombing all the Middle East places, and they’re just going to respond that way, so we don’t have a choice, really,” said Bill Delapp.

Another driver commented, “The way the government runs California, I don’t think that’s helping either.”

While drivers cannot control the price at the pump, AAA suggests they can adjust their behaviors to mitigate the impact.

“Using navigation apps like Google Maps to make sure you’re taking the quickest route and that you’re not leaving at rush hour times. And then, you know, you’re going to the grocery store, the pharmacy school, do all that in one trip rather than taking multiple trips,” AAA advised.

AAA also noted that driving habits can make a difference, as quick acceleration and hard braking can waste up to 30% of fuel.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel