Gas prices across several Southern California counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino, have displayed a mixed pattern recently. Some areas are experiencing continued price decreases, while others have seen slight increases, reflecting a volatile market.

Regional Price Trends

Los Angeles County

In Los Angeles County, the average price for self-serve regular gasoline has declined for six consecutive days. On Tuesday, the price dropped by four-tenths of a cent to $5.985 per gallon. This marks the longest downward trend since December.

Over the past six days, the average price in Los Angeles County has fallen by 6.3 cents. While this is 6.3 cents lower than a week ago, it remains 42.3 cents above the price from a month ago and $1.11 higher than a year ago. The current average is 50.9 cents below the record high of $6.494 set in October 2022.

Orange County

The six-day streak of declines in Orange County ended with a slight increase of six-tenths of a cent, bringing the average price to $5.903 per gallon. This price is 7.6 cents lower than a week ago but 37.3 cents higher than a month ago and $1.093 more than a year ago.

Riverside and San Bernardino Counties

Riverside County saw its average price decrease by eight-tenths of a cent to $5.824 per gallon, following a four-day decline. The current average is 5.6 cents less than last week but 37.5 cents more than a month ago and $1.072 higher than a year ago.

San Bernardino County also experienced a decrease of seven-tenths of a cent, with the average price reaching $5.814 per gallon. Despite this weekly drop, prices remain significantly higher than monthly and yearly averages, with an increase of $1.17 from the previous year.

Factors Influencing Price Volatility

Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Disruptions

The fluctuating gas prices are largely attributed to a complex interplay of global events. Geopolitical tensions, including the U.S./Israel joint attack on Iran on February 28, 2026, initially sent oil prices higher, impacting local gasoline costs. A subsequent cease-fire announcement led to a brief price dip.

However, renewed escalation of tensions following the breakdown of peace talks has contributed to price increases. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, warned that the potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could further disrupt global oil supplies and lead to significant price hikes.

National Average and Expert Outlook

The national average price for gasoline also saw a decrease, dropping seven-tenths of a cent to $4.118 per gallon. This nationwide trend reflects the broader market dynamics influenced by global events.

De Haan noted that while President Trump's cease-fire announcement initially eased prices, the current instability stems from the breakdown in peace talks and the heightened risk to oil supply routes. The market's sensitivity to conflict and supply chain issues remains a key driver of gasoline prices.

Conclusion

The current gasoline price instability in Southern California and nationwide is a result of multiple factors, primarily geopolitical events and supply chain vulnerabilities. The trajectory of prices will heavily depend on the evolution of international relations and the stability of global oil supplies, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz.