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California

California Gas Prices Drop for Second Consecutive Week

The state average for regular gasoline has fallen to $6.23 per gallon, a decrease of 11 cents over the last two weeks.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Oil and Gas

Isometric editorial illustration of a large steel storage tank against a plain desert background, representing energy market supply.
California gasoline prices dipped to an average of $6.23 per gallon this week, marking the second consecutive decline for the state. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in California has declined for the second week in a row, settling at $6.23. Nationally, gas prices have decreased slightly to an average of $4.33 per gallon.

Why it matters

Recent market volatility has pushed gasoline prices to seasonal record highs throughout this year. The decline follows a reduction in daily gasoline demand to 8.40 million barrels per day.

The average price of regular gasoline in California is now $6.23 per gallon, representing an 11-cent decrease over the past two weeks. Meanwhile, domestic gasoline supply rose to 208.3 million barrels.

The details

While California prices have seen a slight reprieve, they remain significantly higher than they were a year ago. Additionally, U.S. crude oil inventories decreased by 8.6 million barrels to reach 415.6 million, with WTI crude settling at $95.09 per barrel.

Timeline

  1. October 9, 2026: The price of gasoline in Contra Costa County was $6.37.

  2. October 15, 2026: The price of gasoline in Contra Costa County was $6.28.

  3. October 16, 2026: Official report publication date.

Market Landscape

The current price decline marks a temporary deviation from the historical seasonal record highs for gasoline prices. The shift follows a decrease in daily gasoline demand to 8.40 million barrels per day.

Drivers in California may see slightly lower costs at the pump compared to the last two weeks as the statewide average continues to dip. For those weighing alternatives, public EV charging costs in the state currently average 47 cents per kilowatt hour.

The takeaway

While prices are trending downward, they remain over a dollar higher than they were last year. Consumers may consider monitoring local price fluctuations, as they continue to vary significantly by region.

Further reading

For broader context on energy costs, visit the California Oil and Gas section.

More information

For more information on fuel savings, visit the AAA Shell Fuel Rewards information.

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Are gasoline prices putting a strain on your household budget right now?