Gasoline is finally getting a bit cheaper in Southern California, but drivers in Los Angeles County still pay more than $6 a gallon on average, MyNewsLA reported.
On Oct. 25, Los Angeles County recorded its 23rd price drop in 24 days, an unusual stretch of relief for drivers after weeks of sharp run-ups.
Here's what to know
Households facing higher transportation costs got another small break as local averages fell again.
Figures from AAA and the Oil Price Information Service put the average price for self-serve regular at $6.098 in Los Angeles County after a 0.7-cent dip, while Orange County fell 1.3 cents to $5.981.
Over that 24-day span, Orange County has pulled back more, down 42.4 cents, while Los Angeles County is down 34.1 cents.
Even with those declines, both counties remain close to the records they set on Oct. 5, 2022: $6.458 in Orange County and $6.493 in Los Angeles County.
High gas prices are one reminder of the many ways fossil fuel dependence harms people and communities.
The same industry that leaves drivers vulnerable to sudden spikes tied to events such as the U.S./Israel war on Iran also worsens extreme weather disasters and drives air and water pollution linked to asthma, heart disease, cancer, and premature death.
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It also keeps household energy costs high as corporate profits soar. For households looking beyond the gas pump, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy.
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More background
Before the 24-day period of decline began, Los Angeles County endured 44 consecutive increases totaling 79.7 cents.
That climb brought the county average within 5.4 cents of its record high.
Orange County saw a similar surge, with 42 increases over 44 days totaling 83.7 cents before the 24-day decline. That left the county within 5.3 cents of its own all-time high.
Prices remain far above their Feb. 28 levels.
Since then, the Los Angeles County average has climbed $1.404, Orange County is up $1.345, and the national average has risen $1.307 to $4.289.
That kind of volatility can quickly squeeze family budgets, especially in car-dependent regions where commuting is often unavoidable.
What's being done?
A decision from Sacramento has been a key reason for the drop.
On Sept. 28, Gov. Gavin Newsom said cheaper winter-blend gasoline could be sold immediately instead of waiting for the usual Nov. 1 transition, reducing prices in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
The move showed how quickly energy costs can shift when rules change.
It also shows how lobbying and dependence on fossil fuels can delay cleaner, cheaper options that better protect families, workers, and communities from price shocks. Lowering other household energy bills adds long-term value, especially when gas prices remain unpredictable.
With Palmetto's help, the average Southern California resident can save 40% on their electric bills, which can add up to thousands of dollars per year. In a region where transportation and utility costs both run high, that kind of savings makes a meaningful difference.
Los Angeles County's average remains $1.464 higher than on Oct. 25, 2025, and Orange County's average is $1.399 above its Oct. 25, 2025 level.
Where can I learn more?
These stories track the recent run-up in gas prices across Los Angeles and California. They examine earlier spikes and the strain on drivers' budgets and commutes.
• In Los Angeles County, gas topped $6 a gallon after 26 straight daily increases.
• Across Southern California, Los Angeles County prices topped $5.59 as regional gas prices kept climbing.
• A Los Angeles map showed how far $20 gets now — 29 miles less than February.
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