Why California gasoline costs will rise

California drivers are dealing with one more new motive why gasoline costs are on the rise this spring — and it has nothing to do with the US-Israeli airstrikes in Iran or oil manufacturing cuts.

Fairly, the perpetrator is the change to summer-blend gasoline, which historically sends costs climbing within the Golden State forward of the hotter months.

“Fuel costs are climbing as refineries endure upkeep forward of the change to summer-blend gasoline,” stated Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “The unknown is how geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran will proceed to affect crude oil costs. That might imply volatility on the pumps, along with the traditional seasonal spring will increase.”

Refineries in California are already making the transition, with the state being the primary within the nation to change to this costlier, environmentally pleasant gasoline.

The changeover sometimes results in increased costs on the pump resulting from a mix of things, together with refinery upkeep, lowered output, and the upper value of manufacturing summer-blend gasoline, based on the American Vehicle Affiliation, As well as, whereas crude oil costs have been comparatively secure, the change to summer-blend has put extra strain on West Coast costs.

Summer time-blend gasoline is formulated with a decrease Reid Vapor Stress (RVP) to scale back evaporation throughout hotter temperatures, a key requirement to fight air air pollution in California’s hotter months, the press launch from AAA says.

Whereas it’s good for the setting, it additionally makes the gasoline costlier to provide.

For instance, whereas gasoline costs on the East Coast are comparatively secure for now, California drivers are already feeling the pinch. California has the best gasoline costs within the nation, with a median of $4.59 per gallon as of mid-February 2026 — properly above the nationwide common of $2.92 per gallon, based on AAA.

The change to summer-blend gasoline isn’t distinctive to California, however it does have an effect on the state extra instantly.

Whereas different states start making the change nearer to Might 1, California refineries begin the method a lot earlier, with some areas requiring summer-blend gasoline as quickly as April 1.

California’s strict environmental rules and its distinctive market dynamics imply the state’s drivers are the primary to really feel the ache of the changeover.

The typical value of normal gasoline in California has risen by 38 cents from January to February 2026.

Along with the seasonal transition, crude oil costs have seen fluctuations, though they’re not as risky as they had been final yr. Crude oil costs briefly peaked at $65 per barrel in January 2026, and whereas they’ve since dipped to $62, they continue to be increased than the everyday winter value ranges of $55 to $60.

The summer-blend gasoline change, compounded by rising tensions from the conflict in Iran and the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz, has already pushed gasoline costs increased and will result in much more volatility on the pump.

For those who’re in California, brace for increased gasoline costs within the coming months.

The change to summer-blend gasoline, mixed with refinery slowdowns, will possible preserve costs elevated all through the spring and summer time. Fuel costs, already averaging $4.59 per gallon, may climb additional, and with geopolitical tensions doubtlessly impacting crude oil costs, volatility is anticipated.

Don’t count on reduction till the autumn, when winter-blend gasoline returns — possible in time for the vacations.

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