California drivers hoping for relief at the pump are about to be sorely disappointed. <\/p>\n
Even after a surprise U.S.-Iran two-week ceasefire<\/a> that sent oil prices tumbling, experts warn the damage is already done \u2014 and gas prices could stay painfully high for months<\/a>. <\/p>\n That\u2019s especially brutal news in the Golden State, where prices were already flirting with $6 a gallon and diesel smashing records<\/a> \u2014 the worst in the nation. <\/p>\n The whiplash started when global oil markets went into panic mode during the Iran conflict, choking off supplies through the Straight of Hormuz \u2014 a critical artery for roughly 20% of the world\u2019s oil. More than 60% of California\u2019s oil <\/a>comes from foreign countries. <\/p>\n About 20% of the world\u2019s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz. MarineTraffic<\/p>\n Gas prices are displayed at a gasoline station, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP<\/p>\n Now, even with ships expected to start moving again, don\u2019t expect instant relief.<\/p>\n The U.S. Energy Information Administration on \u200cTuesday said fuel costs could linger at elevated levels for months after the waterway fully reopens, thanks to supply disruptions and refinery bottlenecks<\/a>.<\/p>\n So that brief oil price dip likely won\u2019t translate to lower prices at your local gas station anytime soon. <\/p>\n Nationwide, the average for a gallon of regular gas sits at $4.14 a gallon \u2014 but California drivers routinely get hammered far worse due to tighter fuel standards, limited refining capacity and heavy taxes. The state average sits at $5.93 as of Tuesday. <\/p>\n Prices have also surged far above the national average in recent weeks, jumping more than 17% in a month \u2014 with spikes pushing past $6 in some regions. <\/p>\n The California state average sits at $5.93 as of Tuesday. REUTERS<\/p>\n