WALNUT CREEK, Calif.  –  California’s average for a gallon of regular gasoline decreased six cents over the past week to $5.86. But that average is still up 34 cents from a month ago, and up $1 from April 16, 2025. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline also dropped seven cents over the past week to $4.09.

“After last week’s announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, the price for a barrel of crude oil has continued to trade below $100,” said AAA Mountain West Group spokesperson Doug Johnson. “However, maritime traffic transiting the Strait of Hormuz remains subdued as regional tensions persist and negotiations continue.”

Fuel Prices Around the State: 

• San Francisco: $6.00
• Oakland: $5.92
• San Jose: $5.84
• Sacramento: $5.76
• Fresno: $5.78
• Stockton: $5.68

Contra Costa County

• April 17, 2026 – $5.94
• April 9, 2026 – $5.99
• April 3, 2026 – $5.94
• March 27, 2026 – $5.88
• March 20, 2026 – $5.70
• March 12, 2026 – $5.49
• March 6, 2026 – $4.95
• March 5, 2026 –  $4.88
• Feb 27, 2026 – $4.75
• Feb 20, 2026 – $4.73
• Feb 13, 2026 – $4.70
• Feb 6, 2026 – $4.50
• Jan 30, 2026 – $4.39
• Jan 16, 2026 – $4.23
• Jan 9, 2026 – $4.23
• Dec. 19, 2025 –  $4.31

AAA Shares Tips to Help Drivers Save on Gas

• Saving on Gas: AAA members can save at the pump by signing up for Shell Fuel Rewards®.  Members who register now through April 30 will get 35¢/gallon off their first fill at participating Shell stations, and all AAA Fuel Rewards members will save 10¢/gallon during that time period, which is an additional 5¢/gallon compared to the standard Fuel Rewards discount.
• Avoid Speeding: Fuel economy peaks at around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase. Driving the recommended speed limit can increase fuel economy between 7 and 14 percent.
• Regular vs. Premium: Pay close attention to the words “recommended” and “required.” If regular gas is recommended for your vehicle, that’s all you need. Choosing premium when your car doesn’t require it will only cost you money and doesn’t improve fuel economy.
• Remove unnecessary weight from your vehicle (e.g., trunk, cargo area, etc.) as weight increases the amount of effort it takes to move the vehicle.
• Avoid Excessive Idling: When idling, car engines use up to one-half gallons of fuel per hour. Warm engines take about 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart. Shut off your engine when stopped for more than a minute and if it’s safe to do so.
• Check Tire Pressure and Align Tires: Maintaining proper tire pressure reduces your tire’s friction with the road. Less friction means less energy is needed to move, resulting in using less gas. Proper inflation can improve gas mileage by 0.6 percent on average.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased last week from 8.56 million b/d to 9.08 million. Total domestic gasoline supply dropped from 239.3 million barrels to 232.9 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.8 million barrels per day.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose 0.01 cent to settle at $91.29 a barrel. The EIA reports crude oil inventories decreased by 0.9 million barrels from the previous week. At 463.8 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 1% above the five-year average for this time of year.

EV Charging

The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same this past week at 41 cents. In California it’s 46 cents.

State Stats

Gas
The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($5.86), Hawaii ($5.65), Washington ($5.38), Oregon ($4.92), Nevada ($4.95), Alaska ($4.64), Arizona ($4.63), Illinois ($4.35), Idaho ($4.33), and Washington, DC ($4.27).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Oklahoma ($3.43), Kansas ($3.50), North Dakota ($3.61), Nebraska ($3.62), Iowa ($3.63), Arkansas ($3.64), Missouri ($3.66), Georgia ($3.66), South Dakota ($3.68), and Minnesota ($3.69).

Electric
The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are West Virginia (53 cents), Hawaii (51 cents), Alaska (50 cents), Louisiana (47 cents), New Hampshire (47 cents), California (46 cents), South Carolina (46 cents), New Jersey (45 cents), Arkansas (44 cents), and Nevada (43 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (29 cents), Missouri (32 cents), Utah (32 cents), Nebraska (33 cents), Maryland (33 cents), Iowa (34 cents), South Dakota (35 cents), Vermont (35 cents), New Mexico (36 cents) and Delaware (37 cents).

Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA Mobile App, now available on CarPlay. Find current fuel prices at gasprices.aaa.com. Find local news releases at mwg.aaa.com/news/press-release.

About AAA Mountain West Group

AAA Mountain West Group is one of the most trusted membership organizations, proudly serving over 6.8 million Members across Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, Utah, and Wyoming. Named one of Forbes’ Most Trusted Companies in America, AAA delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with comprehensive auto repair, travel, insurance, financial, and home security services. Powered by 5,300 dedicated Team Members, AAA is on a mission to revolutionize solutions that help our Members.

Previous:

• April 10: California Pump Prices Climbing as Crude Oil Remains High
• April 3, 2026 – For the First Time in Four Years, National Average Exceeds $4/Gallon
• March 27, 2026 – California Gas Prices Jump One Dollar Twenty One Cents in One Month
• March 20 – California Gas Prices Continue to Climb
• March 13, 2026 – AAA: Rising Pump Prices, Higher Gas Demand as Spring Break Begins
• March 6, 2026 – AAA: Jump at the Pump as California Average Climbs 18 Cents
• Feb 27, 2026 – AAA: California Seeing Seasonal Shift Toward Rising Gas Prices
• Feb 20, 2026 – AAA: Pump Prices Holding Steady For Now
• Feb 13, 2026 – AAA: Gas Prices Tick Up Heading into Holiday Weekend