Drivers in California are finding themselves paying more at the gas pump than those in Hawaii, even though California produces millions of barrels of oil each year. It’s a surprising situation, especially considering Hawaii doesn’t drill for its own oil.
Recently, AAA reported that the average price for a gallon of gas in Hawaii was $5.63, while in California, it soared to $6.14.
On the same day, a gas station in Honolulu had regular gas priced at $5.39, with mid-grade and premium options being $5.64 and $5.94, respectively.
At a Shell station in Los Angeles, a driver named Csaba Mester, 48, expressed frustration that gas prices in Hawaii are lower. He criticized California’s local energy policies, which he believes are making life tougher for motorists. Mester commented that the high prices have become “inevitable” due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, adding that California has a long-standing reputation for more expensive gas compared to the national average and noted that “unfortunately, people voted for it.”
He blamed years of “misplaced Democrat policies” for these high pump prices and voiced hope that gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton could help reduce them. Mester, who recently filled his black Dodge Durango, emphasized the need for new ideas to alleviate the financial strain on drivers.
He mentioned that he now pays around $130 to fill up his tank, a clear increase from the $100 he used to spend. “Everybody has been impacted,” he remarked, expressing a desire for different thinking in state policy after 16 years of what he sees as ineffective approaches.
California’s production of crude oil reached about 105 million barrels in 2025. Despite this, taxes, fuel regulations, and limited supply options mean that costs are often higher than in Hawaii, which does not have California’s strict gasoline formulation requirements. Consequently, these factors can outweigh the shipping costs that Hawaii faces.
Mester’s case is not unique. Nestor Luna, a pipefitter from Beaumont, shared that his commuting costs have become “shocking,” with weekly expenditures for gas alone hitting $500. He feels forced to change his grocery shopping habits because of these rising costs, calling the situation “crazy.”
Oscar Montes, a contractor, similarly noted that he spends $300 weekly on gas and has had to cut back on food purchases to accommodate this growing expense. Meanwhile, Asa Gallagher, a marketing professional, shared that he spent over $139 to fill his tank, labeling the prices as “crazy” and expressing hope for a decrease, as many people adjust their spending in response to the financial burden.
Nader Jahanshir, a personal driver with roots in Iran, stated he is willing to pay more at the pump given the geopolitical situation, acknowledging that gas prices might eventually drop with a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
On a broader scale, Ross Allen from Chevron noted that, while California does have notable energy production, high demand coupled with significant taxes and fees contributes to the alarming gas prices. He indicated California’s state excise taxes are among the highest in the country, and environmental fees on gasoline add to these costs.
Allen also highlighted that California is increasingly reliant on fuel imports as it has lost nearly 18% of its refining capacity over the past year. This isolation from other production areas exacerbates the gas price situation within the state.
Overall, residents are calling out for a re-evaluation of policies and regulations affecting fuel prices to make it easier for drivers in California, especially given the state’s own energy resources.
