California gas prices recently dropped but still remain near seasonal highs.
Meanwhile, diesel prices have climbed to a new all-time peak.
In early October, the average price of regular gasoline in California came within a few cents of the state’s record. Diesel prices have since set a new record, reaching $8.51 per gallon on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Nationwide gas prices have declined in recent days due to state fuel tax suspensions and seasonal changes in fuel production.
However, fuel experts warn that relief at the pump could be limited as crude oil prices remain elevated amid instability in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Average gasoline prices declined in the vast majority of states over the last week, led by a combination of state fuel tax suspensions and price-cycling markets working their way back down,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in a Monday, Oct. 19, news release. “Diesel rose in most states, though the largest diesel decline was driven by a state tax suspension.
The transition to winter-blend gasoline, which is generally cheaper to produce than summer-blend fuel, could also help ease prices, according to AAA. However, high crude oil costs continue to put pressure on drivers.
Here’s what to know about current gas prices in California:
What are current gas prices across the US?
The national average for regular gasoline was $4.29 per gallon on Friday, Oct. 23, according to AAA.
“This month is poised to set a record as the most expensive October ever for gas prices following similar records set in August and September of this year,” AAA said.
Despite the recent increases, the national average remains below the previous record of about $5.02 per gallon, set in June 2022.
Diesel prices have also surged nationwide. The national average reached a record $6.53 per gallon on Sept. 22, according to AAA.
Fuel prices are displayed at a 76 gas station in Sacramento on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. ZIYU JULIAN ZHU julian.zhu@sacbee.com How much does gas cost right now in California?
California continues to have the most expensive average gas prices in the nation, with the statewide average remaining more than $1 above the national average.
Regular gasoline averaged $6.06 per gallon in California on Friday, Oct. 23, according to AAA. That is $1.77 more than the national average.
Earlier in October, the statewide average climbed to $6.39 per gallon, coming within a few cents of California’s all-time record.
What is California’s record for gas prices?
California’s record average price for regular gasoline is about $6.44 per gallon, set in June 2022.
Although prices reached record highs for 2026, the statewide average for regular gasoline has not yet surpassed that all-time record.
Meanwhile, diesel prices broke previous records.
California’s average diesel price reached $8.51 per gallon on Sunday, Oct. 18, surpassing the previous high of $8.44, set Sept. 22, according to AAA.
What are current gas prices in my California city?
As of Friday, Oct. 23, these were the average per-gallon prices for regular gas at metropolitan areas around California:
Bakersfield: $6.17 per gallonChico-Paradise: $5.88El Centro: $5.84Fresno: $6.01Hanford-Corcoran: $6.01Los Angeles-Long Beach: $6.13Madera-Chowchila: $6.01Merced: $6.03Modesto: $5.88Napa: $6.07Oakland: $6.09Orange County: $6.02Redding: $5.92Riverside: $5.93Sacramento: $6.01Salinas: $6.21San Bernardino: $5.96San Diego: $6.14San Francisco: $6.12San Jose: $6San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles: $6.22San Rafael: $6.02Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc: $6.13Santa Cruz-Watsonville: $6.10Santa Rosa: $6.19Stockton-Lodi: $5.90Vallejo-Fairfield: $5.96Ventura: $6.07Visalia-Tulare-Porterville: $5.95Yolo: $5.96Yuba City: $5.83 
A customer purchases fuel at a gas station in Sacramento on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. ZIYU JULIAN ZHU julian.zhu@sacbee.com Could California gas prices drop further?
California drivers could see some relief as the state moves to winter-blend gasoline earlier than usual.
Winter-blend gasoline is generally less expensive to produce than summer-blend fuel. The seasonal transition can help lower costs at the pump.
Though California typically switches to winter-blend gasoline on Nov. 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Sept. 28 that the state would suspend its usual schedule and direct state agencies to take steps allowing winter-blend gasoline to be manufactured, imported, distributed and sold in California earlier
The move is aimed to continue helping bring down prices at the pump.
However, the change does not guarantee a significant or sustained decline, according to GasBuddy.
Global oil prices, refinery conditions and disruptions to fuel supplies can still influence what drivers pay.
The Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for global oil supplies, still remains a concern amid geopolitical instability, AAA said.
“For now, the outlook remains tied to geopolitical developments, and some price-cycling states could see upward swings in the days ahead if oil markets firm at all,” De Haan said. “Motorists in states that benefited from tax suspensions may continue to see some insulation from broader market pressures, but the overall picture remains fluid.”
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This story was originally published October 23, 2026 at 10:46 AM.
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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.