Drivers across the 805 region of California are feeling the impact of a major gasoline price surge, with pump prices climbing sharply across Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County.
As of September 28, 2026, the average price of regular gasoline in California has reached $6.365 per gallon, according to AAA. That is up from $6.169 one week ago, $5.647 one month ago and $4.652 one year ago. In other words, California drivers are paying about 18 cents more per gallon than they were just one week ago and roughly $1.71 more than they were at this time last year.
Camarillo, California Mobile station at Las Posas road gas prices at $6.68 per gallon
The increases are particularly noticeable along the Central Coast and throughout the 805 region of California, where drivers are seeing regular gasoline averages above $6 per gallon.
AAA's September 28 data puts the Ventura metro-area average at $6.313 per gallon, the Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc average at $6.349 and the San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles average at $6.569.
For commuters, families, delivery drivers, contractors and businesses that depend on gasoline-powered vehicles, the rapid increase is translating into significantly higher transportation costs.
Here is a closer look at gas prices in each of the three counties that make up the 805 region.
Ventura County Gas Prices
Ventura County drivers are paying considerably more for gasoline than they were only a few weeks ago.
On September 28, the AAA Ventura metro average for regular gasoline was $6.313 per gallon. The average was $6.133 one week earlier, $5.615 one month earlier and $4.723 one year earlier.
That means the Ventura-area average has increased about 18 cents per gallon in one week and nearly 70 cents in one month. Compared with September 2025, the increase is approximately $1.59 per gallon.
The increase is not limited to regular gasoline. AAA reported an average of $6.503 per gallon for mid-grade gasoline and $6.681 for premium in the Ventura metro area on September 28. Diesel was averaging $8.358 per gallon.
For a driver with a 15-gallon tank, filling up with regular gasoline at the Ventura-area average would cost approximately $94.69. A 20-gallon fill-up would cost approximately $126.25.
Where Ventura County Drivers Can Look for Lower Gas Prices
Individual station prices can vary significantly within Ventura County. Drivers may want to compare prices in Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and other communities before filling up.
Among the types of stations that are often worth checking are warehouse-club fuel centers, independent stations, ARCO locations, USA Gasoline locations and other discount-oriented fuel retailers.
Current local listings include stations such as Costco Gas in Oxnard, USA Gasoline locations in Ventura and other independent and branded stations throughout the county. Station prices should be checked immediately before purchasing because prices can change throughout the day.
One reason consumers should be cautious about publishing a definitive “cheapest station” list is that GasBuddy's prices are continually updated. GasBuddy says its app reports are given greater weight than web-submitted prices because app users are generally closer to the station when reporting the price.
For that reason, drivers looking for the lowest price in Ventura County should use GasBuddy's Find Gas feature immediately before filling up rather than relying on a price reported several days earlier. GasBuddy allows users to search by city or ZIP code and compare individual stations.
Santa Barbara County Gas Prices
Santa Barbara County is also experiencing a substantial increase in gasoline prices.
AAA reported Santa Barbara County gas price data an average regular gasoline price of $6.349 per gallon for the Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc metro area on September 28, 2026. That compares with $6.189 one week ago, $5.700 one month ago and $4.655 one year ago.
The latest figures represent an increase of approximately 16 cents per gallon in one week and nearly 65 cents over the past month. Compared with September 2025, the average is approximately $1.69 higher.
AAA's September 28 figures also put mid-grade gasoline at $6.544 per gallon, premium at $6.739 and diesel at $8.300 in the Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc area.
At the current regular-gas average, a 15-gallon fill-up costs about $95.24. A 20-gallon tank would cost about $126.98.
Gas Prices in Santa Barbara, Goleta and Santa Maria
Gasoline prices can vary considerably within Santa Barbara County. Drivers in Santa Barbara and Goleta may encounter substantially different prices even when stations are only a few miles apart.
Goleta is a particularly interesting example of how much individual station prices can differ. Recent station-level listings have shown a wide range of prices within the community. A September 21 listing, for example, showed several Goleta stations with regular gasoline prices ranging from the mid-$5 range to nearly $7 per gallon. Those figures are historical station reports and should not be treated as September 28 prices.
Santa Maria can also offer different pricing from the South Coast. A Costco fuel station at 1700 S. Bradley Road in Santa Maria reported regular gasoline at $6.299 per gallon on September 27, one day before the September 28 AAA data. That price was below the September 28 Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc metro average, although it is important to note that Costco fuel stations require membership.
Because station prices are changing quickly, consumers should compare Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Santa Maria, Lompoc and surrounding communities before deciding where to fill up.
A Notable Price Difference in Goleta
One recent example demonstrates just how unusual the current fuel market has become. On September 22, a Goleta Fuel Depot attracted attention after temporarily selling regular gasoline for $3 per gallon during a promotional event. That price was not representative of the normal market price and should not be interpreted as the prevailing price at the station.
The episode nevertheless highlighted the enormous gap that can exist between promotional pricing and ordinary market prices during the current surge.
San Luis Obispo County Gas Prices
San Luis Obispo County currently has the highest regular gasoline average among the three major 805 metro areas tracked by AAA fuel price data.
As of September 28, the San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles metro average for regular gasoline was $6.569 per gallon. The average was $6.375 one week earlier, $5.890 one month earlier and $4.935 one year earlier.
That represents an increase of approximately 19 cents per gallon in just one week and nearly 68 cents in one month. Compared with September 2025, the average is more than $1.63 higher.
AAA reported that mid-grade gasoline averaged $6.757 per gallon and premium averaged $6.970 in the San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles area. Diesel was averaging $8.738 per gallon.
At the current regular-gas average, a 15-gallon tank would cost approximately $98.54 to fill. For a vehicle with a 20-gallon tank, the cost would be approximately $131.38.
Where to Find Lower Gas Prices in San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County has a number of independent and discount fuel stations that can sometimes offer lower prices than major-brand stations.
Recent GasBuddy-based reporting from San Luis Obispo County provides some useful insight into where lower-priced gasoline has historically been found. A September 13, 2026 price survey published by Cal Coast News, using GasBuddy data, listed Anchor Gas in Morro Bay, USA Gasoline in Morro Bay and Sinclair in Morro Bay among the lowest-priced stations at that time. The same report also listed One Stop Food in Paso Robles and several Conserv Fuel locations in San Luis Obispo.
That September 13 list should not be treated as a September 28 ranking because station prices have continued rising. However, the recurring appearance of stations in Morro Bay, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo provides a useful starting point for drivers looking for lower-priced fuel.
Earlier GasBuddy-based surveys also repeatedly identified Anchor Gas in Morro Bay, Conserv Fuel locations in San Luis Obispo, One Stop Food in Paso Robles, Sinclair in Arroyo Grande and Poppy in Pismo Beach among the lower-priced stations in the county.
Drivers should check the current price before making a special trip. Saving 20 cents per gallon may sound significant, but driving several extra miles can reduce or eliminate the actual savings.
Which 805 Area Has the Highest Gas Prices?
Based on AAA's September 28 metro-area data, the San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles area has the highest regular gasoline average of the three major 805 areas at $6.569 per gallon.
The Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc area follows at $6.349 per gallon, while Ventura is at $6.313.
The difference between the highest and lowest of the three averages is about 26 cents per gallon.
That may not sound like a large difference, but it becomes more significant for people who drive large vehicles, commute long distances or fill their tanks frequently.
For example, someone purchasing 60 gallons of gasoline would spend approximately $15.36 more at the San Luis Obispo-area average than at the Ventura-area average.
California Gas Prices Are Rising Rapidly
The price increase in the 805 is part of a much larger California and national fuel-price surge.
AAA's September 28 data shows the California regular gasoline average at $6.365 per gallon, compared with $6.169 one week ago, $5.647 one month ago and $4.652 one year ago.
The statewide average is now only about seven cents below California's previous record regular-gasoline average of $6.4375 per gallon, which was recorded in June 2022.
The current situation is particularly notable because gasoline prices normally receive some seasonal relief as summer driving demand begins to decline. Instead, prices have continued moving higher during September.
AAA reported in late September that the national average was also climbing, with crude oil costs and continued volatility around the Strait of Hormuz contributing to higher fuel prices. AAA said the national September average was on track to establish a new September record.
GasBuddy has likewise reported a rapid increase in gasoline prices during September. Its September 21 update said the national average had increased 18.5 cents over the previous week, based on more than 12 million individual price reports covering more than 150,000 stations.
Why Are Gas Prices Surging?
Several factors can affect the price motorists see on the pump.
Crude oil is one of the biggest components. When crude oil becomes more expensive, refiners generally face higher costs to produce gasoline and other petroleum products.
Global events can have a particularly large impact on oil markets. AAA has pointed to continuing volatility around the Strait of Hormuz and higher crude oil prices as important factors behind the recent increase.
Refinery operations are another important factor for California motorists. California uses its own gasoline specifications, which can limit the ability to quickly replace local supply with gasoline from other markets when refinery production is disrupted.
California's gasoline market is therefore sensitive to changes in refinery operations, inventories, transportation costs and wholesale fuel prices.
Seasonal gasoline requirements can also affect prices. Gasoline formulations change during the year, and the transition between fuel specifications can influence refining costs and supply.
Why 805 Region Gas Prices Can Vary So Much From Station to Station
Drivers sometimes assume that stations located close together should have nearly identical prices. In practice, that is not always the case.
Retail gasoline prices are affected by wholesale costs, station competition, location, operating costs, brand agreements, fuel supply arrangements, credit-card processing costs and local demand.
Stations located near major highways can also have different pricing strategies than stations serving primarily local residents.
Warehouse-club stations can be another exception. Their fuel prices may be lower than surrounding stations, but drivers generally need a membership to purchase gasoline.
GasBuddy's system is particularly useful for comparing these differences because station-level prices can change rapidly. GasBuddy recommends using its Find Gas feature to search by city or ZIP code, while its app can use location information to help users find nearby prices.
How Much More Are 805 Region of California Drivers Paying?
The financial impact of the current increase becomes easier to understand when looking at a typical commute.
Suppose a driver uses 15 gallons of gasoline each week. At $6.313 per gallon, the Ventura-area average, that weekly fill-up costs about $94.70.
At the San Luis Obispo-area average of $6.569, the same 15-gallon purchase costs about $98.54.
If that driver fills up once every week, the difference between those two averages is about $200 per year.
The year-over-year increase is even more significant. A 15-gallon fill-up at last year's Ventura average of $4.723 would have cost about $70.85. At the September 28 average of $6.313, the same fill-up costs about $94.69.
That is nearly $24 more for a single 15-gallon fill-up.
Gas Prices and 805 Region Commuters
The increase is particularly important in the 805 because many residents commute substantial distances between communities.
Ventura County residents may travel between Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley for work. Santa Barbara County residents frequently travel between Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Santa Maria and other communities. San Luis Obispo County commuters can face long drives between San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande and surrounding communities.
For drivers covering dozens of miles every day, even a relatively small increase in the price per gallon can add up quickly.
Tips for Saving Money on Gas
Compare prices before filling up. GasBuddy and other fuel-price services can help drivers see current station prices rather than simply assuming that one brand or location is always cheaper.
Check warehouse-club stations if you already have a membership. Costco and other warehouse clubs can sometimes offer competitive fuel prices, although membership costs and lines should be considered when calculating the overall value.
Look at independent stations. Some independently operated stations compete aggressively on price and may be less expensive than nearby major-brand locations.
Consider cash or debit pricing. Some stations offer a lower price for cash or debit transactions. GasBuddy specifically notes that some U.S. stations offer cash/debit discounts and provides a filter for finding stations with such discounts.
Do not drive excessively far just to save a few cents. If the cheaper station is several miles away, the fuel consumed getting there may cancel out the savings.
Keep tires properly inflated and maintain your vehicle. Proper tire pressure, regular maintenance and avoiding unnecessary idling can help reduce fuel consumption.
Combine errands when possible. Several short trips can consume more fuel than completing the same errands as one planned trip.
What 805 Drivers Should Watch Next
The direction of gasoline prices will depend on several factors, including crude oil prices, refinery operations, gasoline inventories, global events and wholesale fuel markets.
For now, the data shows that prices are still moving higher. California's September 28 regular gasoline average increased nearly 20 cents from the previous week, while all three major 805 metro areas also recorded weekly increases.
The San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles area has the highest current average among the three major 805 areas, while Ventura has the lowest. However, individual stations can be considerably cheaper or more expensive than their regional average.
Bottom Line for 805 Drivers
Gas prices are surging across Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County, and the September 28, 2026 numbers show just how quickly the situation has changed.
Regular gasoline is averaging $6.313 per gallon in the Ventura area, $6.349 in the Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc area and $6.569 in the San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles area, according to AAA.
All three areas are substantially more expensive than they were one year ago.
While individual stations may offer lower prices, consumers should verify those prices before driving to a particular location. GasBuddy's station-level information can change frequently, and the company says app-submitted prices receive greater weight in its pricing algorithm.
For 805 residents, the best opportunity to reduce the impact of the current price surge is to compare nearby stations, take advantage of legitimate fuel discounts and rewards, and avoid unnecessary driving.
In 2026, every few cents per gallon matters.
Find Current Gas Prices Across the 805
Want to find the latest gas prices near you? Visit In 805's Area Gas Prices page to search current fuel prices throughout the 805 region. The page features gas price data from GasBuddy, making it easy to compare nearby stations in Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County before you fill up.
Gas prices are highly dynamic and can change throughout the day. AAA figures in this article are based on AAA data available September 28, 2026. Station-level prices should be verified before filling up. Historical GasBuddy-based station prices are identified as historical and are not represented as September 28 prices. Drivers should verify pricing before heading to the pump.
Published September 28, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)