Southern California, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Gas prices in Southern California have surged as the Labor Day weekend approaches, with the statewide average reaching $4.59 per gallon. This increase, attributed to unplanned refinery maintenance, marks an 8-cent rise from the previous week. The Los Angeles area reports an average of $4.61 per gallon, impacting travel trends as many Californians seek alternative destinations. Nationwide, Labor Day gas prices average $3.15 per gallon, the lowest since 2020, highlighting the significant difference in pricing for California travelers.
California—Gas prices in Southern California have surged in the days leading up to the Labor Day weekend, marking a significant increase for travelers in the region. As of Friday, the statewide average cost for a gallon of gasoline reached $4.59, reflecting a notable rise of nearly 8 cents from the previous week and an increase of 12 cents from a month ago.
The recent spike in prices can be attributed to unplanned refinery maintenance that caused wholesale prices to jump last weekend. This surge marks only the second time this year that Southern California has experienced such a significant increase in gas prices, with most areas seeing a jump of 10 cents or more in the last week. Notably, in some regions of Southern California, pump prices are now even higher than they were on the same date in 2024.
The Los Angeles-Long Beach area currently reports an average gas price of $4.61 per gallon, which is approximately 14 cents higher than last month and slightly above the rate recorded during the same period last year. A similar trend is evident in Santa Barbara along the Central Coast, where there has been a 9-cent increase over the last week, bringing the average price to $4.59 per gallon—however, this figure remains 9 cents lower than the average from the previous year.
Despite the price surge in Southern California, many travelers are opting for alternative destinations this Labor Day weekend. While California has the highest average gas prices in the United States, trailing behind only Hawaii and Washington state, Los Angeles is not expected to be a top travel hub for the holiday. Instead, many domestic tourists are looking at cities such as Seattle, Orlando, and New York, or they are choosing road trips to nearby beaches and national parks.
On a broader scale, nationwide gas prices for Labor Day are projected to be $3.15 per gallon, marking the lowest rates for the holiday since 2020 and 1 cent lower than last year’s average. While California’s gas prices remain significantly higher, the annual comparison shows that statewide prices are currently about 4 cents per gallon lower than they were this time last year.
Supporting Data
- Statewide average gas price: $4.59 per gallon
- Recent increase over previous week: 8 cents
- Recent increase over the past month: 12 cents
- Los Angeles-Long Beach area price: $4.61 per gallon
- Santa Barbara area price: $4.59 per gallon
- Nationwide average for Labor Day: $3.15 per gallon
- Prices approximately 4 cents lower than last year
Background on Gas Prices in California
California has long been known for its high gas prices, due in part to state taxes, environmental regulations, and the cost of refining. The state often leads the nation in average prices, creating additional financial burdens for residents and travelers alike. Seasonal travel patterns leading up to Labor Day often drive up demand for fuel, exacerbating price fluctuations during this period.
FAQ
What caused the surge in gas prices in Southern California?
The surge in gas prices is primarily due to unplanned refinery maintenance that caused an increase in wholesale prices.
How much have gas prices increased recently?
Across most of Southern California, gas prices have increased by 10 cents or more in the last week, with the statewide average reaching $4.59 per gallon.
How do current gas prices compare to last year?
Statewide gas prices are currently about 4 cents per gallon lower than they were this time last year, although some local areas are experiencing higher prices than last year.
What are the average gas prices outside of California?
The nationwide average for Labor Day is projected to be $3.15 per gallon, which is the lowest since 2020.
Are people still traveling despite high gas prices?
Despite the recent surge in prices, many travelers from California are choosing to visit other cities or opt for road trips to nearby destinations instead of traveling to traditional hotspots like Los Angeles.
Key Features of Upcoming Labor Day Weekend
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Statewide Average Price | $4.59 per gallon |
| Price Increase from Last Week | 8 cents |
| Price Increase from Last Month | 12 cents |
| Travel Trends | Greater interest in cities like Seattle, Orlando, and New York |
| Nationwide Average Price | $3.15 per gallon |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times
- Audacy
- KTLA
- ABC7 News
- Live Mint
- Wikipedia: Gasoline Taxes in the United States
- Google Search: California gas prices
- Google Scholar: gas prices Southern California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gasoline
- Google News: California gas prices
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles 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 Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
