Expert Warns: Gas Prices Could Surge Another 45 Cents In Some States — Is Yours One Of Them?

West Coast drivers should brace for much higher gas prices in coming weeks, with some states facing increases up to $0.45 per gallon due to refinery issues and seasonal fuel changes.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, warns that California could see prices eclipse $5 per gallon, while Nevada, Arizona, Washington and Oregon will also see sharp price increases.

The national average for regular gas reached $3.165 Friday, according to the American Automobile Association, up from $3.107 a week earlier. California leads with the highest prices at $4.823 per gallon.

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“The number of states with gas prices below $3 per gallon is starting to rapidly decline, now 22 states below $3, last week it was around 30,” De Haan posted on X.

Multiple factors are driving the increase. Annual spring refinery maintenance typically peaks gas prices around April 26, based on 15-year historical data. This year, unexpected refinery outages compound the usual seasonal impact on West Coast prices.

California’s consistently higher prices stem from its “low carbon fuel standard, cap and trade program, CARB mandates, and high gasoline taxes,” De Haan said. However, he expects gas prices to fall over the course of this year.

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Oil prices reached two-week highs Tuesday, with Brent futures hitting $77.00 per barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude reaching $73.32. President Donald Trump‘s revival of “maximum pressure” sanctions on Iran adds further market pressure, reminiscent of 2018 when similar policies pushed oil beyond $80 per barrel.

The price surge could challenge Trump’s campaign promises of lower inflation and expanded U.S. energy production. His recent tariff threats against Canada and Mexico, both major oil producers, have raised additional concerns about consumer costs.

While prices are climbing, they remain well below recent highs. During the peak week of June 16, 2022, the national average hit $4.99 per gallon, with California drivers paying $6.43. 

Current prices also sit slightly lower than a year ago, when the national average was $3.189 per gallon.

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