What caused the increase in gas prices in Southern California?

Unplanned refinery maintenance led to a spike in wholesale prices, causing retail pump prices to rise significantly ahead of the Labor Day weekend.

How do current gas prices in California compare to last year?

Statewide average gas prices are about 4 cents per gallon lower than this time last year, although certain localities have seen increases above previous year's prices.

What is the average gas price in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area?

As of Friday, the average gas price in this area reached $4.61 per gallon, which is higher than last month and slightly greater than last year.

How do California gas prices compare nationwide?

California has the highest average gas prices in the U.S., significantly above the nationwide average of $3.15 for Labor Day.

What travel trends are emerging for the Labor Day weekend?

Many domestic travelers are choosing destinations outside of Los Angeles, with popular spots including Seattle, Orlando, and New York, as well as road trips to local beaches and national parks.

September 2, 2025

California Gas Prices Surge Ahead of Labor Day Weekend

California, September 2, 2025

News Summary

California is seeing a significant rise in gas prices as the Labor Day weekend approaches, with the statewide average reaching $4.59 per gallon. Prices have risen by 10 cents or more in many areas, raising concerns for travelers. In Los Angeles-Long Beach, the average is $4.61. Although gas prices remain lower than last year, several regions have recorded increases. Factors such as unplanned refinery maintenance have contributed to these price hikes, influencing holiday travel trends as consumers adapt to rising costs.

California is experiencing a notable surge in gas prices just ahead of the Labor Day weekend, with costs spiking by 10 cents or more in many regions. As the summer season comes to a close, these price hikes represent a significant concern for travelers looking to hit the roads for the holiday.

As of Friday, the statewide average price of gas per gallon was recorded at $4.59, marking an increase of nearly 8 cents from the previous week and a jump of 12 cents compared to a month ago. In the Los Angeles-Long Beach area specifically, the average price reached $4.61 per gallon, reflecting a rise of approximately 14 cents since a month ago and slightly exceeding last year’s figures.

The price escalation has been attributed to unplanned maintenance at refineries, which caused wholesale prices to spike last weekend. This situation has put pressure on consumers right before a major holiday, leading some areas in Southern California to record higher prices than the same date in 2024. The Central Coast region, particularly Santa Barbara, also saw an increase of 9 cents over the past week, bringing the average to $4.59, which remains 9 cents lower than this time last year.

While California maintains the highest average gas prices in the United States, following Hawaii and Washington state, the overall statewide prices are currently about 4 cents per gallon lower than they were at this time last year. This could slightly alleviate the burden on travelers planning to spend the weekend away from home.

Despite the recent surge in gas prices, Los Angeles is not projected to be a leading travel destination for the holiday weekend. Domestic travelers are instead flocking to cities like Seattle, Orlando, and New York, or choosing road trips to nearby beaches and national parks. This trend marks a shift in travel preferences, as consumers reevaluate their holiday plans in light of rising costs.

On a broader scale, nationwide gas prices for Labor Day are projected to be around $3.15, making this the lowest price for the holiday since 2020 and just 1 cent lower than in 2021. This pricing context highlights the disparity between California’s gas costs and those across the rest of the country, a factor that could influence travelers’ decisions this weekend.

The fluctuating gas prices underscore the potential economic impact on consumers as they navigate their travel choices during one of the busiest times of the year. With continuing maintenance issues at refineries and the seasonal nature of gas prices, it remains to be seen how long these trends will persist and how they will affect both the state’s economy and consumer habits moving forward.

FAQ

What caused the increase in gas prices in Southern California?
Unplanned refinery maintenance led to a spike in wholesale prices, causing retail pump prices to rise significantly ahead of the Labor Day weekend.
How do current gas prices in California compare to last year?
Statewide average gas prices are about 4 cents per gallon lower than this time last year, although certain localities have seen increases above previous year’s prices.
What is the average gas price in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area?
As of Friday, the average gas price in this area reached $4.61 per gallon, which is higher than last month and slightly greater than last year.
How do California gas prices compare nationwide?
California has the highest average gas prices in the U.S., significantly above the nationwide average of $3.15 for Labor Day.
What travel trends are emerging for the Labor Day weekend?
Many domestic travelers are choosing destinations outside of Los Angeles, with popular spots including Seattle, Orlando, and New York, as well as road trips to local beaches and national parks.

Key Features of the Current Gas Price Situation

Statewide Average Gas Price: $4.59
Average Price in Los Angeles-Long Beach: $4.61
Price Increase Last Week: 10 cents or more
Current Price Trend: Highest since 2020 for Labor Day
Nationwide Average Gas Price: $3.15
Popular Travel Destinations: Seattle, Orlando, New York

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO

The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, 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 the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE CORONADO

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