The Automobile Club of Southern California announced that gas prices in most regional areas have climbed for four straight weeks.
This trend is significant as it affects drivers across the state, with many regions experiencing higher fuel costs compared to recent months. According to a press release by the Automobile Club of Southern California, “California’s statewide average rose five cents over the past week to $4.59 per gallon, which remains 26 cents lower than last year, while the national average dropped two cents to $2.92. Prices across Southern California climbed to $4.62 in Los Angeles and San Diego, $4.51 on the Central Coast, $4.49 in Bakersfield, and $4.48 in Riverside… Although all areas reported weekly increases of up to seven cents, every region remains between 16 and 23 cents lower than the same date in 2025.”
As reported by AAA, “As of Feb. 19, 2026, the Sacramento area recorded a current average price of $4.629 per gallon for regular gasoline, reflecting a slight dip from yesterday but a four-cent increase over the past week. Mid-grade and premium fuels also saw weekly gains, reaching $4.878 and $5.102, respectively, while diesel prices averaged $5.048… Although current costs have climbed significantly from the $4.028 monthly average, they remain nearly 38 cents lower than the $5.005 regular gasoline price reported on this date last year.”
Auto Club spokesperson Kandace Redd said according to a press release by the Automobile Club of Southern California: “The gas price increases we have been seeing are typical for this time of year in Southern California as refineries undergo planned and unplanned maintenance while gasoline demand starts increasing, leading to upward price pressure.”
The Automobile Club of Southern California is part of the AAA national federation and provides services to members across multiple counties in California including Inyo, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura according to AAA. AAA was founded in 1902 with about 1,500 members and has expanded into a federation serving over 65 million members across North America.
