Why Gas Prices Are So High in California

By Katie Grimes, California Glove

While national crude prices set the floor, California’s taxes, climate rules, unique fuel special blend, and diminished refining system raise the price per gallon.

California gas is expensive for two overlapping reasons: it is structurally more costly than in most other states even in normal times, and the 2026 global oil shock has hit the state harder than the rest of the country.

As of mid-September 2026, regular gasoline in California averages about $5.89 to $5.97 a gallon versus a U.S. average around $4.27 to $4.31.

Diesel costs are even more extreme, with statewide averages over $8.00 per gallon, even topping $9.00 per gallon in some counties.

For a deep dive explanation