Nationwide gas prices have declined in recent days due to state fuel tax suspensions and seasonal changes in fuel production<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cAverage gasoline prices<\/a> 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,\u201d Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in a Monday, Oct. 19, news release. \u201cDiesel rose in most states, though the largest diesel decline was driven by a state tax suspension.<\/p>\n The transition to winter-blend gasoline<\/a>, which is generally cheaper to produce than summer-blend fuel, could also help ease prices, according to AAA. However, high crude oil costs<\/a> continue to put pressure on drivers.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what to know about current gas prices in California:<\/p>\n What are current gas prices across the US?<\/p>\n The national average for regular gasoline<\/a> was $4.29 per gallon on Friday, Oct. 23, according to AAA.<\/p>\n \u201cThis 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,\u201d AAA said.<\/p>\n Despite the recent increases, the national average remains below the previous record of about $5.02<\/a> per gallon, set in June 2022.<\/p>\n Diesel prices have also surged nationwide. The national average reached a record $6.53 per gallon<\/a> on Sept. 22, according to AAA.<\/p>\n California continues to have the most expensive average gas prices<\/a> in the nation, with the statewide average remaining more than $1 above the national average.<\/p>\n Regular gasoline averaged $6.06 per gallon in California<\/a> on Friday, Oct. 23, according to AAA. That is $1.77 more than the national average.<\/p>\n Earlier in October, the statewide average climbed to $6.39 per gallon<\/a>, coming within a few cents of California\u2019s all-time record.<\/p>\n What is California\u2019s record for gas prices?<\/p>\n California\u2019s record average price for regular gasoline<\/a> is about $6.44 per gallon, set in June 2022.<\/p>\n Although prices reached record highs for 2026<\/a>, the statewide average for regular gasoline has not yet surpassed that all-time record.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, diesel prices broke previous records.<\/p>\n California\u2019s average diesel price reached $8.51<\/a> per gallon on Sunday, Oct. 18, surpassing the previous high of $8.44<\/a>, set Sept. 22, according to AAA.<\/p>\n What are current gas prices in my California city?<\/p>\n As of Friday, Oct. 23, these were the average per-gallon prices for regular gas<\/a> at metropolitan areas around California:<\/p>\n 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 California drivers could see some relief as the state moves to winter-blend gasoline earlier than usual.<\/p>\n Winter-blend gasoline is generally less expensive to produce<\/a> than summer-blend fuel. The seasonal transition can help lower costs at the pump.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> to be manufactured, imported, distributed and sold in California earlier<\/p>\n The move is aimed to continue helping bring down prices at the pump<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, the change does not guarantee a significant or sustained decline, according to GasBuddy.<\/p>\n Global oil prices, refinery conditions and disruptions to fuel supplies can still influence what drivers pay<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for global oil supplies, still remains a concern<\/a> amid geopolitical instability, AAA said.<\/p>\n \u201cFor 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,\u201d De Haan said. \u201cMotorists in states that benefited from tax suspensions may continue to see some insulation from broader market pressures, but the overall picture remains fluid.\u201d<\/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 This story was originally published October 23, 2026 at 10:46 AM.<\/p>\n Related Stories from Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n![\"Fuel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/SAC_113553_ZJZ_20260929_GasPrices.JPG\" "\\"SAC_113553_ZJZ_20260929_GasPrices.JPG\\"")
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?<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1792922918_531_SAC_113699_ZJZ_20260929_GasPrices.JPG\" "\\"SAC_113699_ZJZ_20260929_GasPrices.JPG\\"")
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?<\/p>\n
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