News - San Diego gas prices rise again after 30-day decline

San Diego residents have seen a subtle increase in local gas prices, as the cost of a gallon of self-serve regular gas ticked up by one-tenth of a cent to $6.005. This marks the end of a month-long streak of falling gas prices in the region. Over the past 30 days, gas prices dropped by a total of 42.3 cents, a respite from previous hikes that saw prices elevate substantially over a 44-day period, nearing the historic high of $6.434 observed in October 2022. Despite the minor uptick over the weekend, the current gas prices remain 10.7 cents lower than last week and 42.2 cents reduced from the previous month. However, drivers are still paying $1.19 more per gallon compared to last year. The surge in prices is linked to geopolitical tensions, notably the joint U.S. and Israel conflict with Iran initiated on February 28, which propelled crude oil prices and had a cascading effect on gas stations nationwide. In a bid to combat rising costs, Governor Gavin Newsom intervened on September 28, authorizing the earlier sale of the winter-blend gasoline, typically reserved until November 1, temporarily relieving San Diego motorists from steeper costs. While local prices show a slight increase, the national average continues to decline for the eighth consecutive day, standing at $4.173 per gallon—a 1-cent decrease from the previous day. Nationally, consumers are paying 11.6 cents less than a week ago and 24 cents less compared to last month, although prices are still $1.135 higher than last year's figures. The overall national increase since U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran remains stark at $1.191.