How to find cheap gas in Southern California
Gas prices have skyrocketed.
Prices had already been climbing because of supply chain issues, but Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine has caused them to spike even higher.
In California, the average price of a gallon of regular-grade gasoline on Monday was $5.34 — and even higher in Los Angeles County, which was averaging $5.43 a gallon, according to the American Automobile Assn.’s price tracker. The national average is now $4.06, a staggering $1.30 more than a year ago and the highest it has been since July 2008, according to AAA.
Here’s how you can find the cheapest gas near you:
Already-high gas prices are headed higher because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a painful blow for L.A.’s lower earners who must drive to survive.
Cheapest gas in L.A.
One of the cheapest gas stations in L.A. County is Noil USA Inc. at 1234 W. Cowles St. in Long Beach. On Monday, the price for a gallon of regular-grade fuel was $4.74 with cash or $4.84 with card.
Use the GasBuddy app
The app GasBuddy can help you find gas stations closest to you with the lowest prices.
When you first download the app, it will ask you to sign up for an account. You can use the app with or without doing so, though.
After picking a fuel type, the app will display a list of nearby gas stations and their fuel prices. You can sort by lowest to highest or by distance. You also can choose to display only credit and debit card prices, or cash prices as well.
Gas prices are reported by other users or the owner of the gas station. As a user, you can also report prices.
All counties are averaging above $5 per gallon for regular-grade fuel.
Search on Geico
Geico’s website includes a search page where you can type in your address and find the cheapest gas prices and stations in your area.
You don’t need to have Geico as your car insurance to use this service.
Gasoline prices depend on global supply and demand, which has been out of whack since the pandemic started. California drivers pay a premium for special blends.
Search on Google Maps
When you search for gas on Google Maps — either online or in the app — the price of regular gas is often listed in the search results, along with the hours, address and other information of the stations listed.
Pay with cash
Many gas stations such as Arco, 76 and Mobil offer a cheaper price for gas if you pay in cash.
The price difference is usually a few cents per gallon. To get the cheaper price, you need to prepay with a cashier before filling up your tank.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
