San Diego drivers are facing record-breaking fuel costs, forcing some motorists to pay for gasoline using loose change as averages approach historic highs across California, according to local station operators and AAA data.
San Diego Fuel Prices Surge Toward Record Highs
Regular gasoline prices in the San Diego area are nearing $6 per gallon, while diesel prices reached a record-shattering $7,75 per gallon, according to data from AAA. That figure surpasses the previous record of 7,72 dólares set in April. Fuel costs in San Diego have climbed rapidly over the past month, with regular gasoline jumping 28 cents and diesel surging 83 cents over a 30-day period, according to AAA figures.
The financial strain has left some motorists struggling to afford basic fill-ups. Aja Harmon, a Kearny Mesa resident interviewed while fueling a 2004 Honda, told local reporters that she can no longer afford a full tank of gas and is limited to purchasing half-tanks. Laurie Wright, a Golden Hill resident who works as an in-home caregiver, stated that constant driving for her job is rapidly eroding her income.
At Petromerica, a gas station located at the intersection of 16th Avenue and F Street, station owner Issa Meamari reported seeing customers resort to paying for fuel entirely in coins. Meamari noted instances of drivers bringing in rolls of quarters or months-old collections of pennies just to secure enough fuel to reach the next street corner.
Global Conflict Drives Crude Oil Spikes
The localized price surges stem from international crude markets, where Brent crude futures surpassed $100 per barrel following military escalations in the Middle East. According to reports from Reuters, the conflict intensified after the United States authorized airstrikes against Iran, prompting the Iranian government to block maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a vital trade route handling normal petroleum exports.
Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, told Reuters that the return of Brent crude above the $100 threshold reflects a market pricing in prolonged supply restrictions stemming from the Middle East crisis.
Meanwhile, broader state-level market conditions amplify the burden for California drivers. While the national average for regular gasoline stood at 4,22 dólares per gallon, California’s state average reached 5,88 dólares per gallon, representing the highest fuel costs in the nation, according to AAA.
Diesel Shortages Threaten Broader Economy
Economists and energy analysts are closely monitoring diesel pricing due to its critical role in agriculture, freight trucking, rail shipping, and maritime transport. Higher diesel costs trigger a cascading effect that increases retail prices for goods across grocery stores and commercial retail outlets.
In addition to Middle East disruptions, diesel supplies have tightened due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Following Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries, the Kremlin imposed a ban on international diesel sales extending through January 31, 2027.
London-based energy analyst Critchlow told the Union-Tribune that consumers in San Diego and across California remain caught in the center of overlapping international supply pressures, noting that price relief depends entirely on a reduction in global geopolitical tensions.
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