As tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt global oil supply, Los Angeles drivers are now paying $6 a gallon, with diesel hitting a record $7.46
KTLA5 says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Los Angeles climbed to $6 on Tuesday, roughly $1.30 higher than when the war with Iran began about a month ago.
Iran’s ongoing stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, is driving a global spike in crude prices and pushing fuel costs higher for U.S. drivers as well.
The national average, which is typically far lower than California prices, has now topped $4 per gallon, according to the AAA Southern California website.
The last time U.S. drivers were collectively paying this much at the pump was nearly four years ago, in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
AAA gas prices around Southern California as of March 31, 2026:
L.A.-Long Beach: $6.00
Orange County: $5.94
Riverside: $5.85
San Bernardino: $5.86
Ventura: $5.95
The White House addressed the surge in gas prices on Tuesday.
“When Operation Epic Fury is complete, gas prices will plummet back to the multi-year lows American drivers enjoyed before these short-term disruptions. President Trump remains committed to fully unleashing American energy dominance, lowering costs, and putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking American families,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.
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Skyrocketing prices have also driven up the cost of diesel fuel, which is typically cheaper than regular gasoline.
As of Tuesday morning, the average price of diesel in California stood at a record $7.46 per gallon.