News Summary
The average price of gasoline in San Diego County has increased by 2.8 cents, reaching $4.814. This rise follows a recent surge and comes as drivers brace for further increases due to new state policies. Despite minor declines earlier, the average price is now higher than it was last week and last month. The national average has also seen an uptick, leading to worries about affordability. Authorities predict potential additional price hikes due to tax increases and fuel standards, raising concerns among local drivers.
San Diego – The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County has risen by 2.8 cents, bringing the new average to $4.814 on Saturday. This uptick follows the highest increase recorded since April 1, which was 2.9 cents. Over the past four consecutive days, the average price of gasoline has surged a total of 6.8 cents, raising concerns among local drivers.
Previously, the county had experienced a series of four minor declines in gas prices, totaling eight-tenths of a cent. Comparing figures, the current average price is situated 6.9 cents higher than it was just a week ago. Additionally, it reflects an increase of 4.9 cents over the past month, although it remains 4.3 cents lower than the price from this time last year. Following the record high of $6.434 reached on October 5, 2022, gas prices have since dropped by $1.82.
In contrast, the national average price of gasoline has also seen an increase. Over the past four days, it has risen by eight-tenths of a cent to reach $3.149. This national average has increased by 1.9 cents over the same period, following a five-day streak of declines totaling 3 cents. On the national level, comparisons show that the price has risen seven-tenths of a cent over the past week, is six-tenths of a cent lower than a month ago, and is down by 22.5 cents from one year ago. Since a peak of $5.016 recorded on June 14, 2022, the national price has dropped $1.867.
Looking ahead, California drivers are bracing for potential price increases due to new state policies set to take effect on July 1. These include a 1.6-cent per gallon excise tax increase which will raise the tax rate from 59 cents to approximately 61 cents to align with inflation rates. In addition to this tax increase, stricter low-carbon fuel standards are anticipated to impact overall fuel costs, although the specific effects on prices are still uncertain. Experts have estimated that price increases resulting from these new policies may range from just under 10 cents to as much as 65 cents or more per gallon.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has stated that the expected increase will likely be between 5 to 8 cents per gallon but has faced skepticism. Opponents, including State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, contest these estimates and have initiated a petition aimed at lowering gas prices. Jones has raised concerns that under current conditions, it is possible for gas prices to reach $8 per gallon by 2026, citing geopolitical tensions and refinery closures as contributing factors.
A recent survey conducted on June 30 found that gas prices in San Diego varied significantly, with prices peaking at $5.39 per gallon at a Mobil station in Mission Valley, while the lowest prices were observed at Costco, starting at $3.99 per gallon. Other notable prices included $4.69 at a 7-Eleven in Kearny Mesa, $4.79 at Shell and Chevron stations, and $4.25 at a station located in Pacific Beach.
Amid these changes, California drivers have voiced their concerns about the long-term impact of upcoming policy changes on the affordability of fuel. As gas prices continue to fluctuate, many residents are left to wonder how these developments will affect their daily transportation costs in the months and years to come.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Wikipedia: Gasoline
- Times of San Diego
- Google Search: gas prices California
- Stacker: San Francisco Gas Prices
- Google Scholar: gas prices California
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: gas prices
- CBS 8
- Google News: gas prices California
- 10 News
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
