Gasoline prices in California are approaching the $5 per gallon level. That was the price nationwide at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in mid-2022. At that point, oil moved to over $100 a barrel on interrupted supply.

The average fuel price in state has risen about 10 cents since last month. According to the EIA, gas prices across the state in the last year have been as low as $4.09 on Dec. 23, 2024, and as high as $5.27 on April 15, 2024. A year ago, the average gas price in California was 5% higher at $4.48 per gallon.

Gasoline prices hopped higher in the Bay Area in the wake of an explosion and fire that knocked an East Bay refinery offline.

A fire at one Northern California refinery responsible for 10% of the state’s gasoline production has resulted in higher gas prices in California, Arizona and Nevada, highlighting the latter states’ reliance on aging California refineries.

As the threat of tariffs looms, Nevada drivers are feeling the pinch at the pump.The average price for a gallon of gas in the state has climbed four cents from