California gas prices expected to ‘jump again.’ What are 10 cheapest counties?
After weeks of rising costs tied to tensions between the U.S. and Iran, gas prices are starting to dip — but the relief may be short-lived.
Prices recently hit their highest average in four years, according to AAA.
While some areas across the country saw slight declines in gas prices, another spike could be on the way, according to price-tracking website GasBuddy.
“Average gasoline prices surged for many Americans through the first half of last week before easing in some areas after oil prices slipped following President (Donald) Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in a statement from a Monday, April 13, news release.
However, that break at the pump won’t last long.
Renewed tensions over the past weekend are raising concerns about global oil supply. A potential disruption in the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for oil shipments — has already pushed crude prices higher.
“As a result, gasoline prices are likely to jump again this week, with diesel expected to follow, until there is a meaningful restoration of shipping through the Strait,” De Haan said in a statement.
Here’s what California drivers can expect to pay:
What are current gas prices in California?
Gas prices remain high across California, even after a slight dip, according to AAA.
As of Tuesday, April 14, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was about $5.88, AAA said, making it the most expensive state in the country to fill up.
That’s about $1.76 higher than the national average of $4.12.
Though prices have eased slightly — dropping about 5 cents from a week ago — they remain roughly 40 cents higher than a month ago, when drivers were paying around $5.48 per gallon.
Around this time in 2025, the statewide average was about $4.89 per gallon.
California recorded its highest gas prices in June 2022, when a gallon of regular gasoline retailed for $6.44 on average.
Diesel prices have also surged, recently hitting a record $7.75 per gallon on April 9.
How much is gas in my California city?
As of Tuesday, these were the average per-gallon prices for regular gas at metropolitan areas around California:
- Bakersfield: $5.85 per gallon
- Chico-Paradise: $5.71
- El Centro: $5.59
- Fresno: $5.80
- Hanford-Corcoran: $5.61
- Los Angeles-Long Beach: $5.99
- Madera-Chowchila: $5.92
- Merced: $5.81
- Modesto: $5.68
- Napa: $6.07
- Oakland: $5.93
- Orange County: $5.90
- Redding: $5.69
- Riverside: $5.82
- Sacramento: $5.78
- Salinas: $5.99
- San Bernardino: $5.86
- San Diego: $5.91
- San Francisco: $6.03
- San Jose: $5.86
- San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles: $5.99
- San Rafael: $6.06
- Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc: $5.79
- Santa Cruz-Watsonville: $5.85
- Santa Rosa: $6.06
- Stockton-Lodi: $5.71
- Vallejo-Fairfield: $5.84
- Ventura: $5.92
- Visalia-Tulare-Porterville: $5.80
- Yolo: $5.71
- Yuba City: $5.51
Which California counties have lowest gas prices?
According to AAA, these 10 counties had the cheapest gas prices as of Tuesday:
- Yuba County — $5.52 per gallon
- Sutter County — $5.54
- Tehama County — $5.58
- Imperial County — $5.59
- Kings County — $5.63
- Tuolumne County — $5.67
- Stanislaus County — $5.68
- Modoc County — $5.69
- Shasta County — $5.69
- San Joaquin County — $5.71
Where are gas prices the highest in California?
According to AAA, these five counties had the most expensive gas prices in California as of Tuesday:
- Mono County — $6.80
- Humboldt County — $6.38
- Inyo County — $6.12
- Sierra County — $6.07
- Trinity County — $6.07
Find cheapest gas stations in my area
GasBuddy is designed to help motorists find the cheapest gas prices in their areas.
You can search for the most affordable gas stations in your area on the GasBuddy website.
Will California gas prices keep rising?
Though gas prices have dipped slightly, the outlook is still uncertain.
According to GasBuddy, “uncertainty remains high,” meaning prices could change quickly in the coming days.
As of Tuesday, crude oil prices were hovering around $95 per barrel — which is about $15 lower than last week, according to Business Insider.
“Looking ahead, markets are likely to remain highly reactive to developments surrounding the ceasefire and any signs of renewed tension,” GasBuddy said in a Monday, April 13, news release.
