# California gasoline price fluctuations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/california-gasoline-price-fluctuations
> Updated: 2026-10-24T16:42:35.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Gasoline prices in Southern California reached near-record highs in late September, with averages in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties approaching their all-time peaks. Analysts linked this upward trend to crude oil costs and volatility in the Strait of Hormuz, noting significant increases since the onset of the joint U.S./Israel conflict involving Iran in February.

By late October, prices in several regions, including Los Angeles, Orange, and San Luis Obispo counties, began trending downward. This decline was attributed to the early availability of less expensive winter-blend gasoline, following an announcement by Governor Gavin Newsom to allow its sale ahead of the customary November 1 date. However, high crude oil prices, driven by geopolitical tensions involving Iran and instability in the Strait of Hormuz, have limited the extent of these decreases.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Gasoline prices decline across California counties

Gasoline prices are dropping in parts of California, including Los Angeles and Orange counties, driven by the early availability of cheaper winter-blend fuel despite high crude oil costs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gasoline-prices-decline-across-california-counties

### 2026-09-26: Southern California gas prices approach all-time records

Gasoline prices in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties are nearing all-time records due to crude oil volatility and regional market trends.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southern-california-gas-prices-approach-all-time-records

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Cite as: California gasoline price fluctuations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/california-gasoline-price-fluctuations