On Tuesday, gasoline and diesel prices in California rose sharply, adding to the financial strain on commuters as fuel shortages continue to drive costs higher.
As of March 31, diesel prices hit a statewide average of $7.45, which is a new record, while regular gasoline reached $5.88, nearing the $6 mark, according to the American Automobile Association.
In Los Angeles County, prices surpassed $6 on Tuesday, exceeding both state and national averages; by contrast, the national average was just above $4.
About 737,900 vehicles in California are registered to use diesel fuel, a portion of the state’s total 35 million registered vehicles. Diesel comprises 17% of California’s fuel sales, amounting to roughly 3.5 billion gallons sold each year for heavy-duty trucks, buses, and agricultural and construction needs, as reported by the California Energy Commission.
GasBuddy notes that the increasing fuel prices mark an unprecedented level. Analysts have pointed out that this is the largest one-month increase on record, highlighting how swiftly prices are escalating and the mounting burden for drivers.
Across Southern California, prices are still on the rise. Orange County averages $5.93, Ventura County $5.95, San Bernardino County $5.86, and Riverside County $5.84.
Interestingly, news has also surfaced that President Trump is considering suspending military operations in the Middle East, even if the vital Strait of Hormuz remains closed, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Some of the steepest prices in California are reported at times exceeding $8.70 per gallon at certain Chevron stations in Los Angeles’ Chinatown. Other high-priced areas include various remote locations along Route 66 and near Death Valley.
This price surge followed the resumption of oil shipments through the Santa Ynez pipeline system after a significant spill shutdown operations more than a decade ago.
CEO Jim Flores described the restart as a step forward for U.S. energy security, underscoring the importance of domestic production and supply.
Operations were reinstated this month after the Trump administration invoked the Defense Production Act, enabling certain operations to continue while bypassing specific environmental regulations.
However, California has filed a lawsuit against the administration, arguing that the decision undermines state authority and prioritizes industry profits over public safety.
State officials also dismissed suggestions that this project would lead to immediate price relief, arguing that the added supply would likely have negligible effects. A spokesperson noted that “This represents about 0.05% of total oil production, and global oil prices will not fall,” emphasizing that oil is sold to the highest bidder in the global market and isn’t necessarily set aside for U.S. consumers.
