California Diesel Hits Record High

The average price for diesel in California reached $8.3496 per gallon on September 17, 2026. This figure represents the highest recorded average for the fuel type in the state. The cost for regular gasoline also climbed to $6.0851 per gallon. The national average for regular gasoline stands at $4.4386 per gallon. California drivers pay a premium of $1.65 per gallon compared to the rest of the country.

Local prices in the Victor Valley show significant variation by location and payment method. A check of stations in Victorville and Hesperia revealed gaps of up to 44 cents per gallon. Paying with cash saved drivers 10 cents per gallon at one Victorville location. The data comes from a review of current listings and in-person checks conducted on Thursday.

Local Station Price Variance

Costco in Victorville sold regular gasoline at $5.599 per gallon. Premium gasoline was priced at $6.099 per gallon at the same location. Berri Brothers on Palmdale Road listed regular gasoline at $5.69 for cash payments. The price rose to $5.79 for credit or debit card users. Elite Gas & Mart in Victorville offered the lowest local price at $5.35 per gallon for regular fuel.

Two Fastrip locations in Hesperia listed regular gasoline at $5.49 per gallon. Diesel prices at these stations ranged from $7.59 to $7.87 per gallon. These local figures sit below the statewide average for diesel. The variance highlights the importance of comparing prices before refueling.

Historical Price Comparison

California’s regular gasoline average has risen sharply in recent months. The price was $5.5768 per gallon one month ago. It stood at $4.6563 per gallon one year ago. This represents a year-over-year increase of $1.43 per gallon. The current average remains 35 cents below the all-time high for regular fuel.

The record for regular unleaded gasoline was set on June 14, 2022. The average price on that date was $6.4375 per gallon. Diesel has now surpassed that historical trajectory for regular fuel. The data indicates a sustained upward trend in fuel costs across the state. Drivers face higher expenses for both standard and heavy-duty vehicles.

Payment Method Cost Impact

Using a credit or debit card adds a surcharge to the base price. At Berri Brothers, the surcharge was 10 cents per gallon for regular gasoline. The surcharge was also 10 cents for premium and biodiesel B20. A 15-gallon fill-up at the cash price costs $85.35. The same fill-up costs $86.85 with a card payment. This difference amounts to $1.50 for a single tank of fuel.

The source for these observations is GN auto markets/energy: gasoline prices. The data reflects specific checks and listings from September 17, 2026. The figures provide a clear snapshot of current market conditions. Consumers can reduce costs by selecting stations with lower base rates. Payment method choice directly affects the final bill at the pump.