\u201cThe conflict in the Middle East has sent crude oil prices higher<\/a>,\u201d AAA said in a March 5 news release.<\/p>\n However, the conflict overseas isn\u2019t the only factor pushing prices up at the pump.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what\u2019s driving the increase \u2014 and what drivers can do to save money on gas:<\/p>\n Crude oil briefly surged<\/a> to about $119.50 per barrel on Monday, March 9, according to the Associated Press. Business Insider reports that prices have dropped<\/a> to just over $90, as of Wednesday morning.<\/p>\n Crude oil is the main ingredient used to make gasoline and diesel, so when oil prices rise, drivers usually feel it at<\/a> the pump.<\/p>\n Roughly half of what you pay<\/a> at the pump comes from the cost of crude oil. The rest covers refining, transportation, marketing and taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.<\/p>\n What is causing gas prices to rise in California?<\/p>\n Doug Johnson, a spokesperson for AAA, said the recent spike in gas prices<\/a> is partly tied to the conflict in the Middle East, which has pushed crude oil prices higher and tightened global supply \u2014 but that\u2019s not the only factor driving prices up.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s complicated,\u201d Johnson previously told The Sacramento Bee. \u201cIt\u2019s not just all the Middle East.\u201d<\/p>\n California refineries are also beginning the annual switch to summer-blend gasoline<\/a>, which is more expensive to produce.<\/p>\n The Golden State requires all gas stations to sell the seasonal fuel starting April<\/a> 1, and the change typically leads to higher prices at the pump.<\/p>\n Refinery changes are also limiting supply on the West Coast.<\/p>\n Johnson said that Phillips 66 shut down<\/a> in late 2025, and the Valero Benicia Refinery<\/a> is also set to close, putting additional pressure on gas prices.<\/p>\n With the conflict in the Middle East, seasonal fuel changes and fewer refineries operating, Johnson said prices are rising \u201call over the map.\u201d<\/p>\n What are current gas prices in California?<\/p>\n As of Wednesday, March 11, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in California<\/a> was about $5.34, according to AAA.<\/p>\n Just a week earlier, the average price was $4.74<\/a> per gallon.<\/p>\n Around this time in 2025<\/a>, California drivers were paying about $4.69 a gallon.<\/p>\n Although the U.S. Energy Information Administration had previously predicted that gas prices in 2026<\/a> would be about 6% lower than in 2025, Johnson said recent global events have changed that outlook.<\/p>\n However, he said, prices could still fall later in the year if tensions involving Iran ease.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t predict what\u2019s going to happen,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n GasBuddy is a price-tracking website designed to help motorists find the cheapest gas prices<\/a> in their areas.<\/p>\n You can search for the most affordable gas stations in your area on the GasBuddy website.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t pay extra for premium gas: Most vehicles don\u2019t need the highest \u2014 and most expensive \u2014 grade of gasoline<\/a>, the Penny Hoarder website advised. Regular grade gasoline is fine unless your vehicle\u2019s manufacturer explicitly requires premium.<\/p>\n Use a gas price app: Compare prices<\/a> at nearby gas stations using GasBuddy, Waze, or AAA apps, USA Today suggested.<\/p>\n Take advantage of savings programs: Some grocery stores offer fuel rewards programs, and some credit cards offer points that can be used for fuel discounts, the publication said.<\/p>\n Also, be aware of whether your gas station charges more or less for paying with credit cards or cash.<\/p>\n Warehouse clubs and independent gas stations also may have lower prices, Penny Hoarder said.<\/p>\n Fill up earlier in the week: \u201cGas prices sometimes increase later in the week as travel demand rises before the weekend, although trends can vary by region,\u201d Penny Hoarder reported.<\/p>\n A GasBuddy survey found that Sundays tend to be the best days to buy gas<\/a> in the U.S.<\/p>\n Avoid highway gas stations: Gas stations along major highways often have higher prices, USA Today said.<\/p>\n Adopt good driving habits<\/p>\n Plan ahead: If you can\u2019t cut down on vehicle trips by walking, bicycling or taking mass transit, then plan your trips<\/a> more efficiently to conserve gas, AAA suggested. Combine errands into one trip, plan efficient routes and avoid high-traffic times of day if possible.<\/p>\n Slow down: Driving the speed limit on the highway uses less gas, AAA said. Avoid \u201cjackrabbit\u201d starts and hard acceleration, which greatly boost fuel consumption.<\/p>\n \u201cReducing your speed to 65 on the highway can increase fuel economy<\/a> by as much as 15 to 20 percent,\u201d Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told Consumer Reports.<\/p>\n Aggressive driving can reduce your fuel economy<\/a> by up to 33% on the highway or 5% in town, the U.S. Department of Energy said.<\/p>\n Using cruise control on the highway will help you maintain a constant rate of speed, conserving gas, the agency said.<\/p>\n Avoid extended idling: You don\u2019t need to \u201cwarm up\u201d your engine in winter, the U.S. Department of Energy said.<\/p>\n Shut your engine off if you\u2019ll be idling for more than 60 seconds to save fuel. It only takes a few seconds of fuel to restart your vehicle.<\/p>\n Idling can use a quarter to a half-gallon of fuel per hour, the agency said.<\/p>\n Minimize your use of air conditioning: Although it can be difficult in California\u2019s summer heat, keeping the air conditioning off will use less gas.<\/p>\n \u201cEven at highway speeds, open windows have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor,\u201d AAA said.<\/p>\n In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield screen to reduce heat buildup in your vehicle and, hence, the amount of air conditioning you\u2019ll need to cool it back down.<\/p>\n Keep your vehicle in shape<\/p>\n Keep up with routine maintenance: A smooth-running engine uses less gasoline, Penny Hoarder said. Don\u2019t wait for the \u201ccheck engine\u201d light to check your vehicle out.<\/p>\n Remove bulky items from your vehicle: It takes more gasoline to accelerate a heavier vehicle, so remove any extra weight, AAA said.<\/p>\n This also goes for roof racks and special carriers. Even an empty bike, canoe or ski rack can produce more wind drag on the highway and increase fuel consumption.<\/p>\n Keep your tires properly inflated: Under-inflated tires can reduce your gas mileage. Keep them pumped up to the recommended pressure, the U.S. Department of Energy said.<\/p>\n Besides, it\u2019s safer and makes your tires last longer.<\/p>\n Use the right motor oil: Be sure you\u2019re using the recommended grade of motor oil in your vehicle, which can help your fuel economy slightly, the agency said.<\/p>\n Have a question about life in California?<\/p>\n How to California \u2014 a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll answer your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.<\/p>\n Ask your questions in the form below (can\u2019t see it? Click here<\/a>) or email howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Loading\u2026<\/p>\n Related Stories from Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n \u201cThe conflict in the Middle East has sent crude oil prices higher,\u201d AAA said in a news release. Angela Rodriguez arodriguez@modbee.com How much did crude oil prices rise?<\/p>\n
![\"Gas](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SAC_2067_HRR_20260310_Gas.JPG\" "\\"SAC_2067_HRR_20260310_Gas.JPG\\"")
Gas prices rise above $5 per gallon at gas stations at the intersection of Auburn Boulevard and Greenback Lane in Citrus Heights on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com How to find the cheapest gas stations in my area<\/p>\n![\"Gas](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SAC_2036_HRR_20260310_Gas.JPG\" "\\"SAC_2036_HRR_20260310_Gas.JPG\\"")
Gas prices rise above $5 per gallon at gas stations at the intersection of Auburn Boulevard and Greenback Lane in Citrus Heights on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com Find the best gas prices<\/p>\n
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