Los Angeles drivers are contending with some of the highest gasoline prices in recent memory, with the average for regular fuel in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area climbing to $5.86 per gallon. This represents a 13-cent increase in just one week and a $1.20 jump compared to the same period last year, according to AAA Southern California. The surge means Southern California drivers likely spent between $18 and $24 more to fill their tanks over the recent Labor Day weekend than they did the previous year.
Nationally, the holiday weekend also saw record-high gasoline prices, with averages hovering above $4 per gallon, influenced by ongoing disruptions in global oil supply. In response to these elevated costs, The California Post observed price variations across Los Angeles gas stations over a two-day period to assess potential savings from comparison shopping.
A key finding was the significant price difference between stations in close proximity. In Glassell Park, regular gas was priced at $5.69 per gallon with a card at an ARCO station, while a UNICO station directly across the street offered the same fuel for $5.47, a 22-cent difference. The disparity was even more pronounced on the Westside, where a Chevron station charged $6.09 per gallon with a card, compared to a nearby SK station at $5.29, an 80-cent difference per gallon. For a 12-gallon fill-up, this 80-cent variance amounts to nearly $10 in savings.
Another observation suggests that brand names may not always justify higher prices. Data from California's Division of Petroleum Market Oversight indicates that branded gasoline in the state typically costs about 31 cents more per gallon than unbranded gasoline, a gap significantly larger than the national average premium of 6 cents. This disparity has become a point of concern for state regulators.
Despite price differences, state regulators emphasize that all gasoline sold in California must meet stringent state standards for emissions control and engine performance. These standards are comparable to TOP TIER requirements, and there is no publicly available evidence to suggest that branded gasoline performs better than unbranded alternatives sold within the state.
Costco locations, known for competitive pricing, also offered savings. In Alhambra, regular gas at Costco was approximately $5.33 per gallon, about 76 cents less than comparable stations. However, Costco was not always the lowest-priced option, with an SK station on the Westside found to be four cents cheaper at $5.29.
The most practical advice for drivers is to compare prices within their immediate vicinity before fueling up, as there is no single universally cheapest station. The California Post noted that budget stations or warehouse clubs like Costco can offer significant savings, and the state's petroleum watchdog encourages drivers to shop around. This practice can lead to personal savings and incentivize higher-priced stations to adjust their pricing to remain competitive. The strategy advises against excessive driving to find the lowest price, instead focusing on comparing options within a mile's radius, which can yield substantial savings.