California gas prices surge despite national decline in October

In Fresno, California, the average price for a gallon of regular gas has surged to $4.88, a notable increase from $4.72 just a week prior and $4.56 a month ago. This rise in gas prices is causing significant financial strain for residents, as illustrated by Melanie Campos, who shared that her family often sacrifices meals to afford gas for work. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of refineries capable of producing California's specific gasoline blend, leading to dwindling inventories. Experts like Patrick De Haan from GasBuddy highlight that while other states are transitioning to winter gasoline, which is typically cheaper, California will not see this relief for another month. The winter blend is expected to bring some price reductions, but the current high prices are pushing some residents to consider abandoning gas vehicles altogether. Jerry Sandstrom, a resident of Shaver Lake, expressed his disbelief at the soaring costs, comparing it to purchasing a car with free gasoline for its lifetime. The ongoing high prices have left many drivers frustrated and pleading for relief, with Campos stating that prices above $4.00 are simply unacceptable. As California approaches mid-October, there is hope that the switch to winter blend gasoline will lead to a decrease in prices. However, until that transition occurs, residents are left grappling with the financial burden of rising gas costs, which are significantly impacting their daily lives and choices regarding transportation.