California's statewide average for 87‑octane gasoline has exceeded $6 a gallon, marking the highest level since October 2023, according to AAA data. The spike reflects the broader energy crunch driven by the Iran war and rising crude benchmarks.
The national average remains above the politically sensitive $4 threshold, hovering around $4.30, and diesel prices nationwide are near $5.49, still below the early April high of $5.69. WTI has jumped to nearly $110.50 a barrel, while Brent tops $126.
California diesel averages $7.48 per gallon, up from $4.98 a year earlier. National diesel sits at $5.49. The WTI surge to $110.50 and Brent above $126 underscore the impact of geopolitical uncertainty on supply.
Bloomberg noted that "That's the highest since October 2023. No other state has ever surpassed the $6‑a‑gallon mark. At the outset of the war, the price in the Golden State was $4.64 a gallon." GasBuddy head analyst Patrick De Haan added on X that "WTI and Brent pushing higher after Trump says to expect prolonged blockade on the Strait," and that "Expecting big gas price hikes as early as noon for MI, IN, IL, WI, and perhaps OH."
