San Diego County gas prices extend 21-day climb as global oil reserve release targets disruptions
San Diego prices hit a nearly two-year high after a sustained run-up
The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County rose Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to $5.359, the highest countywide average since April 25, 2024. The increase marked the 21st consecutive daily rise in the local average.
Over the 21-day stretch, the San Diego County average increased a total of 75.2 cents. Compared with recent benchmarks, the county average was 55.2 cents higher than one week earlier, 78.3 cents higher than one month earlier, and 66.3 cents higher than one year earlier.
How today’s level compares with the last record spike
Despite the recent climb, the county average remained below the all-time high recorded during the 2022 price surge. The San Diego County record for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline was $6.435, set on October 5, 2022—placing Wednesday’s county average $1.076 below that peak.
National prices also rose, widening the context beyond Southern California
The national average price for regular gasoline rose Wednesday to $3.578, reaching its highest level since May 28, 2024. The national average has increased for 11 consecutive days, rising 59.6 cents over that period.
Nationally, the average price was 38 cents higher than one week earlier, 64.1 cents higher than one month earlier, and 49.7 cents higher than one year earlier. The U.S. record average remains $5.016, set on June 14, 2022—leaving Wednesday’s national average $1.438 below that level.
Global oil reserve release aims to ease market disruption tied to conflict
On Wednesday, the International Energy Agency announced that its member countries agreed to make 400 million barrels of oil available from emergency reserves, a move intended to address disruptions in oil markets tied to the ongoing war involving Iran. The decision was framed as an effort to calm volatility in global energy markets and reduce the risk of severe price swings.
What drivers may watch next
- Whether the international stock release is followed by measurable shifts in wholesale oil and gasoline markets in the coming days.
- Whether the local average continues rising after a three-week streak, or begins to stabilize as markets respond to increased emergency supply availability.
- How San Diego County’s gap versus the national average evolves as both continue to move higher.
As of March 11, 2026, San Diego County’s average price of $5.359 remained well below the county’s October 2022 record, but it represented the highest local average since late April 2024.
Gas price averages reflect broad trends and may differ from posted prices at individual stations, which can vary by neighborhood, brand, and local competition.