CA, US & World
Rising Gas Prices Are Pushing California Drivers to Rethink How Far They Go, and What They Drive
California drivers are feeling the squeeze at the pump again, with the average price for regular gasoline now sitting at $6.16 per gallon, up three cents overnight, according to AAA. That's a sharp jump from the $4.78 average recorded last year and puts California back near record territory. The all-time high was set in June 2022, when prices hit $6.44 statewide.
Drivers in the Sacramento area told reporter Denzen Cortez the increases are already changing their habits. For Ryan Robinson, the impact is practical. "I try not to do extra trips, try to group all of my activities on one go, so I'm not driving back and forth," he said. And when Memorial Day travel came up, his answer was blunt: "Probably not going to go anywhere, to be honest with you. I'm going to relax at home."
Others are rethinking their transportation entirely. One driver said they've started taking the train to visit family in Southern California, calling it "a little more affordable."
The price spike comes as global conflicts in the Middle East continue to rattle oil markets, piling onto a tax and regulatory structure that already leaves California paying the highest gas prices in the country.
For some, the cost is becoming a turning point on what they drive. A Car.com survey from April found more than half of buyers are now considering an electric vehicle or hybrid, with gas prices listed as a key factor.
With Memorial Day approaching, one of the busiest travel periods of the year, AAA says how much Californians actually hit the road this year remains to be seen.
By: NBC Palm Springs
May 7, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Tim O’Brien introduces Game 2 as the Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the San Diego Gulls! #CVFirebirds #FirebirdsHockey #SanDiegoGulls #AHL #hockeynight
Hurricane Isaias is bringing worsening conditions to Gulf Shores, Alabama, with strong tropical storm-force winds and heavy rain. CNN’s Isabel Rosales describes the intense conditions as the storm approaches. #HurricaneIsaias #SevereWeather #Alabama
Concussion protocol? “You just rub some dirt on it.” 😭🛼 Have you been to a roller derby game yet? Let us know below 👇 #rogginreport #coachellavalley #rollerderby #localsports #nbcpalmsprings
New music Friday! Sheryl Crow drops her 12th studio album, “Pick You Up,” while Greta Van Fleet returns with “Palace for the People.” Plus, British indie band The Lilacs release their debut album, “Keeping Up With The Joneses.” Which new release are you listening to first?
🐕 Desert Hot Springs is cutting ties with a dog rescue in Washington state after an animal cruelty investigation involving nearly 30 dogs. The city suspended its partnership with Pittie Project PNW yesterday. Detectives were called to the property on Monday where they found dogs injured, underweight and living in filthy conditions without enough food or water. Investigators discovered that the property's owner, 38-year-old Ashley Georgia, was solely responsible for their care. All of the dogs were removed and are now getting medical attention.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What do you think is really going on here? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #coachella #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
During the 2025-2026 school year, PEN America reported there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide, the largest number of book bans in a single year since the group started tracking numbers in 2021.
Delta Airlines overhauled its frequent flyer program in 2024. CNN’s Randi Kaye asks Delta CEO Ed Bastian if the airline has made it more difficult for flyers to earn status and if any further changes to the loyalty program are on the horizon.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Festival?