The Weekly Gas Pain Index
California Gas Pain Spotlight — Week of 2026-05-18
California drivers paid $5.96/gal this week (+32.7% vs national). Ranked #1 of 50.
California Gas Pain Spotlight
Week of 2026-05-18 · Source: EIA CA state weekly
Drivers in California are paying $5.96/gal this week — ranked #1 of 50 states. That’s 32.7% above the national average of $4.49/gal.
What it costs to fill up
A 15-gallon tank at California prices runs you $89.36. A 26-gallon truck tank costs $154.88.
Where California sits
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| State avg | $5.96 |
| National avg | $4.49 |
| Difference | +32.7% |
| State rank | #1 of 50 |
| Data source | EIA state weekly retail |