For the first time, average diesel prices in San Francisco have exceeded $8 per gallon, according to new data from GasBuddy, marking an unprecedented milestone for any U.S. city.
The jump occurs while war with Iran is driving up global oil prices, highlighting the volatility of fuel markets and how California-specific factors — like stricter regulations, higher taxes and limited supply — can drive prices well above the national average.
San Francisco has long had the highest fuel prices in the country, but crossing the $8 threshold for diesel represents a new benchmark, even for a state accustomed to high energy prices.
Buying a home has become more expensive as the war in Iran drives up mortgage rates.
A person grabs the diesel fuel gun at a gas station. (Rebecca Noble/Bloomberg/Getty Images)
Diesel, which powers much of the country’s freight, shipping and public transportation systems, is particularly sensitive to refining capacity and global supply disruptions.
This surge is expected to spread beyond the Bay Area. Higher diesel costs often translate into increased transportation and shipping expenses, which can ultimately drive up prices for goods and services nationwide.
Meanwhile, gas prices are rising in almost every region, with some states already well above the national average.
As of April 5, the national average for regular gasoline stood at $4.11 per gallon, according to AAA, an increase of 86 cents from the previous month. On the West Coast, drivers are seeing the highest costs, with prices reaching $5.92 per gallon in California and $5.37 in Washington.
MAPPING: WHERE GAS PRICES ARE INCREASING FASTEST FROM THE IRAN CONFLICT
On the East Coast, gas price exceed $4 in several regions, including $4.27 in Washington, DC and $4.06 in New York.
In the Midwest, Illinois stands out at $4.29 per gallon, while much of the region remains in the mid-$3 range. Southern states remain cheaper overall, even as prices rise. Texas averages about $3.82 and South Carolina averages $3.82, while Florida is higher at $4.20.
President Donald Trump On Sunday, he sent a crude message to Iran, saying the United States would target the regime’s power plants and bridges this week if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened.
The Strait of Hormuz, a waterway between Iranthe United Arab Emirates and Oman, constitute a energy choke point.
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A satellite image shows the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, vital for global energy supplies. (Amanda Macias/Fox News Digital)
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day, all rolled into one, in Iran,” Trump said. message read. “There will be nothing like this!!!”
“Open the F—– Detroit, you crazy bastards, or you will live in hell – JUST LOOK!” read Trump’s message to Iranian leaders. “Praise be to Allah. »
Although prices may fluctuate in the coming weeks, the milestone shows how fuel markets remain vulnerable to supply shocks and how quickly costs can reach historic levels.
