Particle.news
Download on the App Store
19 ARTICLES
·
9h ago

U.S. Gas Prices Keep Rising as Iran Conflict Squeezes Oil Markets, California Above $5.30

AAA reports the highest national average since May 2024, prompting a 172 million barrel Strategic Petroleum Reserve release.

Regular gas is seen advertised at over five dollars a gallon at San Francisco gas station on March 5. Many drivers say they'll stick with their cars, even if gas hits $10 a gallon.
Signs show the gas prices at a gas station, on March 10, 2026, in New York.
A motorist puts gas in their car in San Francisco on March 5.
Gas prices are seen at a Shell gas station in San Francisco in March 2022. In June of that year, California saw its highest-ever gas prices, averaging $6.44 per gallon.

Overview

  • The national average reached $3.598 on Wednesday with every state now above $3, while California averaged roughly $5.33 to $5.35, according to AAA.
  • San Diego County marked a 21‑day rise to $5.359 and Monterey County touched about $5.50, reflecting California’s added costs from taxes, cleaner fuel rules and refinery constraints.
  • The White House announced a 172 million barrel SPR drawdown after crude briefly topped $100 this week and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz stayed constrained.
  • Governor Gavin Newsom blamed the president’s Iran campaign for a $1.5 billion weekly pump hit, as critics cited state policies and a Pentagon social post drew rebukes from his office.
  • Republican lawmakers in California proposed suspending the gas tax and certain regulations, while one expert warned the state average could reach about $7.34 if the conflict persists and drivers increasingly seek discounts or transit.