California Gas Prices Top $6/Gallon as Middle East Tensions Rise

At a Los Angeles station, Ryder Thomas watched his pickup truck’s fuel cost climb to $130, $30 more than before the U.S. and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28. He said he is angry about the price and even angrier about the reasons behind it.

U.S. gasoline prices reached their highest level since early 2022, driven by the oil market shock from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. California prices now exceed $6 per gallon ($1.59 per liter), compared with roughly $4.50 per gallon before the war. The Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries about one‑fifth of global oil shipments, has been blocked by Iran, tightening supply.

Higher fuel costs increase transportation expenses, which can push up prices for food, clothing and other goods. Thomas worries about this domino effect on everyday spending. Other voters, such as David Chavez, acknowledge the pain at the pump but note that responsibility is complex and not solely attributable to one leader.