California, September 2, 2025
News Summary
California is witnessing a notable increase in gas prices, with average costs rising by 10 cents or more in the week prior to Labor Day. As of Friday, the statewide average is $4.59 per gallon. Specific regions like Los Angeles-Long Beach have higher averages, reaching $4.61. Factors such as unplanned refinery maintenance have contributed to these price hikes, alarming motorists ahead of holiday travel. Despite the increase, California’s prices are still slightly lower compared to last year. Travelers are seeking alternative destinations and local retreats to avoid high gas costs.
California is experiencing a significant surge in gas prices ahead of the Labor Day weekend, with an average increase of 10 cents or more noted in the last week across most of Southern California. This price hike represents only the second occurrence of this scale in 2023, alarming motorists as they prepare for holiday travel.
As of Friday, the statewide average cost for a gallon of gas reached $4.59, reflecting an increase of approximately 8 cents from the previous week and a notable jump of 12 cents from a month earlier. In the Los Angeles-Long Beach area specifically, the average gas price has climbed to $4.61 per gallon, which is an increase of about 14 cents compared to the previous month and slightly higher than the prices seen last year. Areas like Santa Barbara have also seen significant rises, with an increase of 9 cents, bringing the average to $4.59, although this figure remains 9 cents below last year’s average.
The latest spike in gas prices can be attributed to unplanned maintenance at refineries that escalated wholesale costs last weekend. Consequently, some southern Californian areas are now seeing prices that surpass figures from this time last year. In contrast, the statewide gas prices in California, despite their rise, are currently about 4 cents per gallon lower than they were at this time in 2022. California remains at the forefront of gas prices in the United States, followed closely by Hawaii and Washington State.
Despite this increase, Los Angeles is not predicted to emerge as a top travel destination for the holiday weekend. Trends show that many domestic travelers are gravitating towards locations such as Seattle, Orlando, and New York. Additionally, some are opting for road trips to nearby beaches and national parks rather than navigating the rising costs of gas in Southern California.
Nationwide, the average gas price is projected at $3.15 for Labor Day, which would mark the lowest price for the holiday weekend since 2020 and is 1 cent lower than the amount recorded in 2021.
This surge in gas prices occurs in the context of a broader trend of fluctuating fuel costs influenced by factors such as refinery operations and seasonal travel demand. As residents prepare for the long weekend, the impact of gas prices on travel decisions will continue to be a significant consideration.
Key Gas Price Insights
- Statewide average gas price in California: $4.59
- Average in Los Angeles-Long Beach: $4.61
- Recent increase: 10 cents or more in a week
- Annual comparison: Prices are about 4 cents per gallon lower than last year.
- Nationwide Labor Day average projected: $3.15
FAQ Section
What caused the increase in gas prices in Southern California?
The gas price surge is primarily due to unplanned refinery maintenance that affected wholesale fuel prices.
How much have gas prices increased recently?
Gas prices in Southern California have risen by 10 cents or more in the last week.
What is the current average gas price in California?
The statewide average gas price in California is $4.59 as of Friday.
How do current prices in California compare to last year?
Gas prices are currently about 4 cents per gallon lower than they were last year at this time.
Where are travelers heading this Labor Day weekend?
Travelers are favoring destinations such as Seattle, Orlando, and New York, as well as local areas like beaches and national parks.
Summary of Key Features
| Region | Current Average Price | Weekly Increase | Yearly Comparisons |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State | $4.59 | +10 cents | 4 cents lower than last year |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach | $4.61 | +14 cents | Similar to last year |
| Santa Barbara | $4.59 | +9 cents | 9 cents below last year’s average |
| Nationwide | $3.15 | N/A | Lowest since 2020 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: Gas Prices Surge Ahead of Labor Day Weekend
- Audacy: SoCal Gas Prices Increase
- Live Mint: Gas Prices in Southern California Record an Increase
- KTLA: Gas Prices Up as Holiday Rush Kicks Off
- ABC7 News: California Gas Prices Could Top $8/Gallon
- Wikipedia: Gasoline
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange 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 Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
