A Chevron station in downtown Los Angeles is becoming a focal point of a growing gas crisis, with one driver reporting a $107 bill to fill up her car on March 8, 2026. Jill Gottlieb, a social worker for the LA County Department of Health, stated, “This is crazy,” adding she had never paid so much to fill her 2017 Mercedes.
Soaring Prices in California
The station at 901 N. Alameda St. Is selling regular unleaded gas for $8.21 a gallon, leading drivers to express frustration and dismay. Another driver, Crystal of Orange County, paid $30.47 for 3.7 gallons and shared photos of the price with her family. Attendants at the station declined to comment, citing nondisclosure agreements.
As of Saturday, March 8, 2026, the average cost of a regular gallon of gas in California reached $5.07, 17 cents higher than the previous day and 43 cents higher than a week earlier. This price remains significantly above the national average of $3.41 a gallon.
The high prices are attributed to a combination of factors, including higher state taxes, fees for California’s climate programs, and the requirement for a specific fuel blend. Recent attacks on Iran have also contributed to the surge in fuel costs.
Some lawmakers, including Southern California state Sen. Suzette Valladares, warn that the current situation could lead to fuel rationing, a scenario not seen since the 1970s. A report suggests gas prices could reach $8 a gallon by the end of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current price of gas at the Chevron station on Alameda Street?
A regular gallon of unleaded gas at the Chevron station on 901 N. Alameda St. Costs $8.21 as of March 8, 2026.
How does California’s gas price compare to the national average?
Prices in California remain well above the US average of $3.41 a gallon. On Saturday, March 8, 2026, the average cost of a regular gallon of gas in California was $5.07.
What factors are contributing to the high gas prices in California?
Higher-than-average state excise and sales taxes, fees for California’s climate programs, the requirement for a costlier eco-friendly fuel blend, and instability in global oil markets are all contributing to the high gas prices.
As conditions at the station on Alameda Street demonstrate, the future of fuel costs in California remains uncertain.
