California Gas Prices Average $5.764 per Gallon for Regular Unleaded, Highest in the U.S.
California drivers paid an average of $5.764 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline as of March 22, 2026.
The current and latest figure comes directly from AAA tracking and exceeds the national average of $3.942 by almost $2.
Mid-grade gasoline stood at $5.977 on average while premium reached $6.173 and diesel $6.875 across the state. The regular price rose 6.4 cents from the previous day when it averaged $5.700 and sits 25.5 cents higher than one week earlier.
The state maintains the most expensive gasoline market nationwide. Recent movement follows a pattern of steady gains through March with the regular average climbing from roughly $5.52 in mid-month to current levels.
National prices have followed a similar path. The U.S. average increased 28 cents in the past week with gasoline demand and domestic supply both declining slightly in the latest weekly data from the Energy Information Administration. Crude oil prices settled near $96 a barrel in recent trading.
California-specific costs stem from several built-in elements. State taxes and fees add about 90 cents per gallon while environmental compliance programs contribute up to 54 cents more.
The state also requires a unique reformulated gasoline blend that meets strict air-quality standards and operates in an isolated fuels market with limited import options from outside refineries.
The California Energy Commission states that gasoline price changes in the state are primarily driven by the cost of global crude oil and significant unplanned refinery outages.
Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the broader pressure in an official statement.
He said:
"Trump launched a war in Iran with no plan, the Republican majority in Congress is looking the other way, and American families across the nation are now paying for it at the pump."
The Division of Petroleum Market Oversight continues to track retail stations with some locations reported above $7 per gallon amid the statewide elevation.
Current gas prices in California remain the only state average above $5 per gallon for regular fuel and are sensitive to shifts in global oil markets.
