New Map Illustrates Dramatic Reduction in Driving Range for $20 of Gas in Los Angeles

A new map created by a Los Angeles commuter illustrates the stark impact of recent gas price increases, showing how much less distance drivers can cover on $20 worth of gasoline compared to earlier this year. The map, shared on Reddit, uses average pump prices and an assumed fuel efficiency of 28 miles per gallon to visualize the reduced driving range.

According to the visualization, $20 of gas now allows drivers to travel 29 fewer miles than they could on February 27, a period before the start of the Iran war. This reduction is approximately equivalent to the distance from downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach.

The creator of the map aimed to demonstrate the real-world geographic consequences of escalating fuel prices, noting that individual mileage may vary. The post sparked discussion among commenters about potential changes in driving habits. Some suggested that price increases might not be substantial enough to alter behavior, while others opined that significant changes would only occur if gasoline rationing became a reality.

One commenter remarked, "Every time I see lifted trucks, speeding to red lights, all the insane behavior of LA drivers I have the same thought. Maybe it’s not expensive enough yet." Another added, "I think we won’t see any changes to driving habits until stations begin rationing gasoline."

Commenters also expressed dismay at the cost. "My monthly gas is about to be the same price as my apartment I rented in college," one user stated.

Gas prices in California have seen a rapid ascent, with a statewide average of $6.08 per gallon for regular gasoline reported after a 19-cent increase in just one week. Over the past year, statewide average gas prices have risen by $1.43, while diesel fuel has surged by $3.18 to a record $8.35 per gallon.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, indicated that while a potential drop in prices might occur in late October when California transitions from summer-blend to winter-blend gasoline, geopolitical factors, such as conflicts in the Middle East, could lead to further price increases. "If there’s new … attacks, if there’s more escalations — then yes, prices could continue to accelerate at this pace," De Haan told KRON4.