California, September 2, 2025
News Summary
California’s average gas prices have increased by 10 cents ahead of the Labor Day weekend, reaching $4.59 per gallon statewide. The surge is attributed to unplanned refinery maintenance causing higher wholesale prices. As travelers prepare for holiday road trips, many are now opting for destinations outside of Los Angeles, such as Seattle and Orlando, due to rising costs. This situation reflects the broader economic impact on holiday travel preferences and the changing landscape of tourism in Southern California.
California has witnessed a significant surge in gas prices just ahead of the Labor Day weekend, with average prices rising by 10 cents or more across most regions in Southern California. This increase comes as travelers prepare for the holiday traditionally associated with road trips and family gatherings.
As of last Friday, the statewide average for a gallon of gasoline reached $4.59, marking an increase of nearly 8 cents from the previous week and a notable jump of 12 cents compared to a month ago. This change signals a more challenging economic environment for travelers, revealing that prices are now higher in some areas compared to the same date last year.
In the Los Angeles-Long Beach region, the average price soared to $4.61 a gallon, which is about 14 cents higher than a month ago and slightly elevated compared to this time last year. Other locations, such as Santa Barbara along the Central Coast, experienced a 9-cent rise over the last week, reaching an average price of $4.59, which remains 9 cents below last year’s average.
The recent price increases are linked to unplanned refinery maintenance that caused surges in wholesale prices last weekend. This situation has resulted in California maintaining the highest average gas prices in the United States, followed by states like Hawaii and Washington. Despite this surge, it is important to note that statewide fuel prices are approximately 4 cents per gallon less than they were at this point last year.
As a result of escalating costs, travel preferences may shift. Historically popular destinations within Los Angeles may not attract as many visitors this holiday weekend, as many domestic travelers have begun selecting alternatives like Seattle, Orlando, and New York City, or opting for road trips to nearby beaches and national parks. Nationwide, Labor Day gas prices are forecasted to average $3.15, marking the lowest rates for the holiday since 2020 and one cent cheaper than in 2021.
This evolving landscape of gas prices and travel preferences highlights the ongoing impact economic factors can have on holiday travel and local tourism in Southern California. As gas prices fluctuate, travelers should be prepared for changes in their budgets and consider various options for their holiday plans.
Key Price Comparisons
- Statewide average as of now: $4.59
- Los Angeles-Long Beach average: $4.61
- Santa Barbara average: $4.59
- Nationwide Labor Day average forecast: $3.15
Travel Trends
- Shift away from Los Angeles as a top destination.
- Increased interest in visits to Seattle, Orlando, New York.
- Preference for road trips to nearby beaches and national parks.
Historical Context
The fluctuating costs of gasoline throughout California have been closely tied to refinery operations and external economic factors. In recent years, prices have been particularly volatile, impacted by both local and international supply constraints. Additionally, Labor Day weekend has historically marked a significant spike in gas prices, as vacationers take to the road in large numbers to celebrate the end of summer.
FAQ
Why are gas prices rising in Southern California?
Prices have risen due to unplanned refinery maintenance that has resulted in increased wholesale prices, affecting pump prices for consumers.
What is the current average gas price in California?
As of the latest report, the statewide average gas price in California is $4.59 per gallon.
How do current gas prices compare to last year?
Statewide gas prices are currently about 4 cents lower than they were this time last year.
What are travelers’ preferences for this Labor Day weekend?
Many travelers are choosing to avoid Los Angeles, opting instead for destinations like Seattle, Orlando, and New York, or taking road trips to local beaches and national parks.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: SoCal Gas Prices Surge Ahead of Labor Day Weekend
- Google Search: California gas prices
- Audacy: SoCal Gas Prices Increase but Remain Lower Than Last Year
- Google Scholar: California gas price trends
- KTLA: Gas Prices Up as Holiday Rush Kicks Off
- Encyclopedia Britannica: gas prices
- Newsweek: California Gas Prices Hike
- Google News: California gas prices Labor Day
- Sacramento Bee: California Gas Prices Update
- Natural Gas Intel: Summer’s Over and Natural Gas Prices
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, 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 the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
