SAN DIEGO: Gas prices reach highest level in three months after 12 consecutive days of increases

CALI - BAJA

02-03-2026

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Editorial bajanews.mx| BajaNews
Publicado: 02-03-2026 14:29:15 PDT
Actualizado: 02-03-2026 14:32:23 PDT

Average climbs to $4.698 per gallon amid refinery issues and reduced production in California

Gas prices in San Diego rose for the 12th consecutive day on Monday, March 2, pushing the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline to $4.698 the highest level recorded since Dec. 3, according to data from AAA.

Over the past 12 days, the average price has climbed 9.1 cents, including a half-cent increase reported Sunday. Compared with a week ago, prices are up 4.9 cents, while the month-over-month increase stands at 23.9 cents. Despite the recent upward trend, the current average remains 5.7 cents lower than it was at the same time last year.

Prices in the region have fallen $1.737 since reaching a record high of $6.435 per gallon on Oct. 5, 2022.

Industry experts attribute the latest spike across California to operational issues and scheduled maintenance at key refineries. The shutdown of facilities operated by Valero Energy in Benicia and Phillips 66 in Los Angeles has reduced refining capacity statewide, tightening fuel supplies. Planned maintenance work at refineries such as PBF Energy in Torrance has also temporarily limited gasoline production.

Nationwide, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline rose 1.3 cents to $2.997. That figure is 5.9 cents higher than a week ago and 12.2 cents above last month’s level, though still 10.1 cents lower than a year ago. Since hitting a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022, the national average has declined by $2.019.