Hottest U.S. gas prices in years leave drivers feeling burned
Americans on tight budgets are getting hit especially hard by surging fuel costs, forcing some to make hard choices.
Watch CBS News
Americans on tight budgets are getting hit especially hard by surging fuel costs, forcing some to make hard choices.
The average price of a gallon of gas in California has jumped to $6.16 a gallon on Wednesday, up 18 cents in the last week and more that a dollar higher than before the start of the Iran war. Katie Nielsen looks at where the state gets its crude oil and the supply impacts.
Gas prices are now 52% higher than prior to the Iran war, with drivers paying $1.56 more per gallon, data shows.
The average price for a gallon of gas in California has topped $6, the highest in the nation and the a 30% increase since the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran. Veronica Macias reports drivers in San Francisco's Mission Bay neighborhood are hopinf for some relief soon.
These charts track prices consumers pay for groceries and other goods now compared to five years ago.
One super commuter, from Roseville, said his monthly gas expense averaged in at $500 dollars in March, since the start of the U.S.-Israeli War against Iran. He even picked up odd jobs to offset costs, but the pain at the pump is a constant.
The cost of diesel fuel is nearing $8 per gallon in parts of California, creating significant pressure on small trucking companies already struggling.
California gas prices are the nation's highest. The candidates in the 2026 governor's race weighed in on the role of state policy, global supply risks, refinery closures, and how each would address rising gas prices.
President Trump warned the U.S. "hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran," and previewed that strikes on bridges and power plants could be next.
The average price of gas across the U.S. last reached $4 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent crude oil prices surging.
As gas prices continue to climb across the Bay Area, lawmakers are considering a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax, an idea that could save drivers about 18 cents per gallon.
The president threatened to "obliterate" Iranian power plants if Iran didn't reopen the Strait of Hormuz by late Monday night Eastern Daylight Time.
A Chevron gas station in Menlo Park was empty on Sunday evening, with prices ranging from $7.49 to $7.89 per gallon.
Gas prices continue to climb and are affecting local co-ops, including one that packages and markets beans out of California.
Drivers across California are feeling the impact of soaring gas prices in what feels like overnight.
The San Francisco Bay Area has the highest gas prices in the country, AAA says, and experts say they’re going to go even higher.
The analysts say the United States currently sits on a glut of domestic oil, so the nation will be insulated from the immediate supply shortage. But California imports most of its crude oil from foreign countries, so we are liable to feel the effects faster than other states.
Crude oil prices are surging due to the Iran war, pushing up prices at the pump across the U.S., according to AAA.
U.S. motorists could soon see higher prices at the pump as oil prices surge following the attacks in Iran.
President Trump and Gov. Gavin Newsom have made several different claims about California gas prices. Here's what we found.
California's affordability crisis could lead to more relaxed emissions standards, according to a plan introduced by state Democrats.
Concern over rising gas prices and fleeing gas refineries has California lawmakers wondering if the state's gas crisis is getting worse because of them.
Americans preparing to hit the road for Memorial Day are likely to find lowest fuel prices in years, according to Gas Buddy.
Gas prices in California could reach more than $8 per gallon by the end of 2026, marking a potential 75% increase over current rates, according to a new report.
It’s Travel Tuesday, and we’re getting ready for Spring Break! As prices for just about everything keep rising, travel costs are no exception. Doug Johnson from Triple A joined Gianna Franco to break it all down.
Police and first responders descended on a Santa Clara neighborhood on Friday afternoon as an apparent barricade situation was unfolding that also involved a house fire.
Candidates for California governor were set to hold their final debate before the June Primary Election on May 14 in San Francisco.
Two Oakland police officers and a suspect were taken to hospitals early Friday morning after a traffic stop in East Oakland ended in a shooting.
Officials in San Francisco have sued the owners of a convenience store in the city's Tenderloin, saying the establishment sold methamphetamine and cannabis, along with illegal tobacco products.
A man in distress was shot and killed by San Leandro police on Thursday evening after he pointed a gun at officers, police said.
Police and first responders descended on a Santa Clara neighborhood on Friday afternoon as an apparent barricade situation was unfolding that also involved a house fire.
Candidates for California governor were set to hold their final debate before the June Primary Election on May 14 in San Francisco.
Two Oakland police officers and a suspect were taken to hospitals early Friday morning after a traffic stop in East Oakland ended in a shooting.
Officials in San Francisco have sued the owners of a convenience store in the city's Tenderloin, saying the establishment sold methamphetamine and cannabis, along with illegal tobacco products.
A man in distress was shot and killed by San Leandro police on Thursday evening after he pointed a gun at officers, police said.
Officials in San Francisco have sued the owners of a convenience store in the city's Tenderloin, saying the establishment sold methamphetamine and cannabis, along with illegal tobacco products.
Police in San Francisco said a cold case involving a woman who disappeared more than 50 years ago has been solved, with the help of DNA.
Drivers who are planning to use 19th Avenue in San Francisco this Mother's Day weekend should expect delays, as southbound lanes of the roadway are closed for repaving work.
On what would have been his 95th birthday, a stretch of Interstate 80 in San Francisco has been officially renamed to honor San Francisco Giants legend Willie Mays.
Authorities on the Peninsula said five human trafficking survivors were rescued and one person was detained as part of a nationwide operation.
Two Oakland police officers and a suspect were taken to hospitals early Friday morning after a traffic stop in East Oakland ended in a shooting.
A man in distress was shot and killed by San Leandro police on Thursday evening after he pointed a gun at officers, police said.
A deadly attack in an Antioch neighborhood earlier this week has resulted in multiple felony charges including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and child abuse charges, authorities said.
From its headwaters high in the Oakland Hills throught the city's Fruitvale District to where the waters eventually empty into the Oakland Estuary and San Francisco Bay, Sausal Creek is a historic treasure.
The 2025 death of a 72-year-old woman in Brentwood who had a medical emergency after being forcibly placed into police custody will be the subject of a formal inquiry, authorities said.
Police and first responders descended on a Santa Clara neighborhood on Friday afternoon as an apparent barricade situation was unfolding that also involved a house fire.
The owner of a business on California's Central Coast has been arrested after he allegedly sexually assaulted a customer during what police described as a "spiritual cleansing."
During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we want to highlight the life and legacy of Japanese American Takayoshi "Dick" Miyagawa.
A man who shot a Mountain View police officer at point blank range during a traffic stop in 2022 was found guilty of attempted murder, authorities said.
A hospital in Santa Clara County is working to find the source of contamination that led to several people being infected by Legionella bacteria.
Two former Rohnert Park police officers were sentenced to prison on Wednesday for their roles in a marijuana extortion scheme in which they posed as federal agents, prosecutors said.
Police in Santa Rosa have made one arrest and are looking for additional suspects following a shooting near a Cinco de Mayo festival Tuesday night.
In the North Bay, tractors have been commonly used to trim down dry brush, but grazing is now gaining popularity.
After years of devastating wildfires, droughts, and floods, many North Bay communities banned new gas stations as part of an effort to fight climate change. But the Town of Windsor may be making a U-turn.
Just before 8:30 p.m., officers near Sebastopol Road and Avalon Avenue heard multiple gunshots coming from Dutton Avenue, just outside of the festival area.
Jauan Jennings agreed to one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings to give the team a needed third option at receiver.
Netflix will air the Week 1 matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press on Thursday.
Pinch-hitter Ty France delivered a two-run triple in the seventh inning to put San Diego ahead to stay as the Padres picked up a 5-1 win over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.
On what would have been his 95th birthday, a stretch of Interstate 80 in San Francisco has been officially renamed to honor San Francisco Giants legend Willie Mays.
With yet another top-five pick, GM Mike Grier and his staff can augment a young group already led by Macklin Celebrini and including Will Smith and Michael Misa.
Police and first responders descended on a Santa Clara neighborhood on Friday afternoon as an apparent barricade situation was unfolding that also involved a house fire.
Two Oakland police officers and a suspect were taken to hospitals early Friday morning after a traffic stop in East Oakland ended in a shooting.
Officials in San Francisco have sued the owners of a convenience store in the city's Tenderloin, saying the establishment sold methamphetamine and cannabis, along with illegal tobacco products.
A man in distress was shot and killed by San Leandro police on Thursday evening after he pointed a gun at officers, police said.
A deadly attack in an Antioch neighborhood earlier this week has resulted in multiple felony charges including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and child abuse charges, authorities said.
A system that thousands of schools and universities use was offline due to a cyberattack.
Netflix will air the Week 1 matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press on Thursday.
A proposed $250 million settlement would compensate millions of consumers who bought the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Career experts say workers and job seekers should take charge of their own AI education. Here's how to get started.
EBay said on Monday that it will "carefully review" GameStop's unsolicited $ 125-per-share takeover offer.
Mexican street corn-inspired trail mix made by Illinois food company was sold at Target and other retailers, as well as online.
A hospital in Santa Clara County is working to find the source of contamination that led to several people being infected by Legionella bacteria.
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
The FDA announced its first authorization of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes intended for adult smokers, a major policy shift after months of appeals to President Trump from the vaping industry.
An ice cream company based in the San Francisco Bay Area is recalling dozens of products after they were sold without labels disclosing potentially dangerous allergens.
Candidates for California governor were set to hold their final debate before the June Primary Election on May 14 in San Francisco.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
The Justice Department argues the patchwork of state laws around guns makes it difficult to take them across state lines for lawful purposes like target shooting, hunting and self-defense.
Three U.S. Navy destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz came under attack on Thursday, and the U.S. struck on two Iranian ports abutting the strait, putting into question an increasingly fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
The State Department is initiating a review of all 53 Mexican consulates in the United States, a U.S. official said, a move that could lead Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider ordering the closure of some posts.
Philz Coffee will once again sport the Pride flag at its cafés after a directive to have them and other flags removed created a backlash.
The Trump administration agreed to restore the Stonewall National Monument's Pride flag in Greenwich Village after it was removed.
Philz Coffee's move to remove the Pride flag and all other flags from their stores is brewing up some strong reaction.
Transgender women athletes are now excluded from women's events at the Olympics after the IOC agreed to a new eligibility policy on Thursday.
The Trump administration has given San Jose State University 10 days to change its policy on transgender athletes or face legal action and possibly lose federal funding.
Rihanna, Sabrina Carpenter, Madonna, and Beyoncé all wore their best looks to celebrate the "Costume Art" theme at the 2026 Met Gala. Here are some of the best moments, photos, and more from the night.
At Last Rites, the weekly gathering goes beyond simply watching a television show. For fans, it's an immersive experience, one that brings them closer to the world of "Survivor," and to each other.
Jake was at the funeral for one of his closest friends when he learned of his parents' deaths, he said.
Michael Tilson Thomas, the 12-time Grammy Award winning composer and famed conductor who led the San Francisco Symphony for a quarter century, has died.
Pop star Britney Spears has voluntarily checked into rehab following her DUI arrest in Ventura County in March, a representative for the singer told CBS LA.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oakland Unified School District has seen an alarming spike in the number of unhoused students in the school system who deal with a host of challenges far beyond what most children face.
Meteorologist and CBS News Bay Area's resident pilot Lt. Jessica Burch got a treat during Fleet Week, taking to the skies with one of the Blue Angels.
A Bay Area man discovered his devastating loss left him with a new opportunity to rethink how he lives -- follow his journey in virtual reality, 360-degree video.
A groundbreaking medical study involving the UCSF Medical Center has shown some colorectal cancer patients can safely skip radiation treatment and enjoy a potentially higher quality of life.
Every day, San Francisco bar pilot Captain Zach Kellerman goes through what might just be the world's most dangerous commute.
Two Oakland police officers and a suspect were taken to hospitals early Friday morning after a traffic stop in East Oakland ended in a shooting.
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson gave an update Friday on the search of an Arroyo Grande home in the case of Kristin Smart, a Stockton native and Cal Poly student who disappeared in 1996.
On Friday, expect the coast to remain cloudy and cool, while inland areas will reach the 70s and low 80s. Expect the warming trend to continue this weekend, with hot conditions early next week. Jessica Burch has the forecast.
Southbound lanes of 19th Avenue in San Francisco are closed through the weekend, as crews perform repaving work. The roadway will again be closed over the Memorial Day holiday.
Andrea Nakano reports.
In 2025, KPIX is moving to a new community service award: the CBS News Bay Area Icon Award. Submit nominations for an outstanding community hero at kpix.com/icon.
It's the most wonderful time of the year for a South Bay woman who has played Mrs. Claus for more than 40 years for the children of North San Jose's Alviso District.
For residents of the Oakland Hills, the prospect of another wildfire always remains a concern. This week's Jefferson Awards winner has made it his mission to make the hills and other high-risk areas safer.
In East Palo Alto -- where state education numbers show more than nine in ten public school students are low income and more than half are English learners -- many are finding hope and connection at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula.
This week's Jefferson Award winner is Army veteran who continues to live a life of service into his 80s, by feeding hundreds of San Francisco families a week.
A Bay Area man who overcame tremendous obstacles to excel in school has made it his mission to gear up other students for success in the classroom and in life.
For Students Rising Above scholar Josh Collins it took moving across the country to realize the value of his Bay Area family.
Samir Hooker had to grow up fast after his stepfather was shot dead 12 years ago. Now he is watching over his mom and sister while attending UC Berkeley.
It's hard enough to graduate from one of the most prestigious schools in the country when you're the first in your family to go to college. Imagine doing that while you're also trying to protect your parents from being deported?
Some students who are the first in their families to go to college face the challenge of balancing a rigorous academic load while still working to help support their family back home.