Gas Prices in California Today
Track today's average gas price in California, compare it to the national average, and estimate your fuel costs with a free calculator. Data updated daily from EIA.
About Gas Prices in California
Gas prices in California are reported daily by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) as part of their weekly survey of fuel retailers. The price shown is a statewide average for regular unleaded gasoline. Prices at individual stations in California may be higher or lower depending on location, brand, and local competition.
Several factors influence California's gas price: state fuel taxes, the distance from major refineries, pipeline and distribution infrastructure, and the required seasonal fuel blend. Use the calculator above to see exactly how today's California price affects your commute, road trip, or monthly driving budget.
California Fuel Taxes: ≈68¢/gal
California has the highest state gas taxes in the nation. California drivers pay the highest state fuel taxes in the country — roughly 68 cents per gallon in state excise tax and fees, before federal tax. On top of that, the state's cap-and-trade program and Low Carbon Fuel Standard add costs that refiners pass through at the pump, typically estimated at another 30–50 cents per gallon.
Tax figures are approximate state-level taxes and fees per gallon of regular gasoline and exclude the 18.4¢/gal federal excise tax. Rates change — verify current rates with the state's revenue or transportation department.
How California Gets Its Gasoline
California is also a fuel island. State law requires a special cleaner-burning gasoline blend (CARB gasoline) that almost no refinery outside the state produces, so California cannot easily import gasoline when a local refinery has an outage. When one of the state's large refineries goes down unexpectedly, prices can jump 30–60 cents in a week — a pattern that has repeated for decades.
Where Gas Is Cheapest and Most Expensive in California
Within the state, the Central Valley (Bakersfield, Fresno) and inland Southern California usually post the lowest prices, while the Bay Area, the North Coast, and resort areas around Lake Tahoe consistently run highest — often 40–60 cents above the Central Valley.