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Laura Ingraham hit the road in Los Angeles earlier today, exploring Mulholland Drive and the city’s stunning estates. But she’s also spotlighting a crisis hitting California hard. The state’s average gas price has soared to $5.93 per gallon, more than 50 percent higher than the national average.
🔥 Quick Facts
- LA Gas Average: $5.93 per gallon as of March 24, 2026, climbing toward record highs
- Highest Pump Price: Chevron in LA charging $8.71 per gallon, forcing rationing concerns
- National Comparison: California’s price is 50 percent higher than US national average of $3.97
- Root Cause: Iran war disrupting Middle East supply, oil prices spiking dramatically
Fox News Host’s Timing Highlights California’s Fuel Crisis
Laura Ingraham’s Instagram post from just 6 hours ago showed her enjoying scenic drives through Los Angeles, cruising around Mulholland Drive to see the city’s wealthy estates. She praised the hiking trails and natural beauty. But the post came at a time when California drivers face unprecedented gas prices. Ingraham has previously criticized state policies affecting energy costs, making this road trip particularly newsworthy.
The Fox News host’s visit coincides with Chevron warning that California risks a full-blown fuel crisis. The company says it may quit refining operations in the state unless the Iran war eases. Middle East tensions are directly impacting gasoline availability and prices across the west coast.
Gas Prices Climbing Toward the $6 Mark Statewide
California reached another grim milestone on March 24, with prices climbing steadily higher. Los Angeles County drivers now pay an average of $5.93 per gallon for regular unleaded. Four California counties have already topped the $6 mark, signaling a dangerous trend. Just one day ago, prices hit $5.87 in LA, meaning drivers have lost another 6 cents per gallon in just hours.
The crisis extends beyond average prices. State officials warned of price gouging at multiple stations. Some pumps in Los Angeles now display prices over $8 per gallon, leaving motorists with impossible choices. National average sits at $3.97, making California prices roughly double what most Americans pay elsewhere.
Iran Conflict and Supply Chain Chaos Drive Spike
Gas prices have skyrocketed since Middle East tensions escalated over the past two weeks. Oil supplies through critical shipping routes face disruption. Crude prices have doubled in spots, directly impacting what consumers pay at the pump. This supply shock compounds California’s existing fuel challenges, where the state relies on specialized refining standards.
Chevron stated that elevated fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict may force it to scale back or exit California operations. The threat reveals how dependent the state is on three major refineries. Lose one major producer, and prices could spike another 50 percent. Consumer groups fear potential rationing by summer 2026 if refining capacity shrinks further.
| Metric | California Average | National Average |
| Current Price | $5.93 per gallon | $3.97 per gallon |
| Highest Pump | $8.71 (Los Angeles) | TBA by region |
| Price Difference | Up 50 percent since Iran conflict | Stable or declining |
| Forecast | May approach $6.00 statewide | Recovery expected April 2026 |
“Some gas stations are charging over $7 for gas in California. Not all of that price can be explained, the state warned.”
— Los Angeles Times, March 20, 2026
What Drivers Can Expect in Coming Weeks
Energy experts divided on outlook. The EIA (Energy Information Administration) suggests gasoline prices are near their peak and should moderate starting April 2026 as Middle East transit resumes. But California faces unique structural challenges. The state’s strict environmental standards require specialized fuel blends, limiting refinery flexibility. If Chevron or other majors scale back, prices could remain elevated through summer.
Meanwhile, DoorDash launched emergency relief for drivers. Motorists report severe impacts on delivery costs and commuting budgets. Some are beginning to carpool or shift schedules to minimize fuel expenses. California lawmakers face pressure to suspend state gas taxes or ease refining standards to bring relief.
Will Laura Ingraham’s Highway Tour Spark Bigger Conversation About Energy Policy?
The Ingraham Angle host has long criticized California’s energy policies. Her road trip timing, combined with this crisis, raises a key question: Will mainstream media connect the dots between policy choices and pump prices? Ingraham typically uses field reporting to highlight real-world consequences of governing decisions. This moment in Los Angeles offers a powerful example.
Drivers paying nearly double the national average deserve straightforward analysis. Whether environmental standards, refining restrictions, or geopolitical shocks drive the crisis most, the conversation matters. Ingraham’s platform reaches millions daily, and her visit to LA could amplify this story significantly if she chooses to spotlight the economic pain Californians face.
Sources
- NBC Los Angeles – Gas prices data and LA regional averages, March 2026
- Bloomberg – Chevron fuel crisis warning and Iran war impact
- LA Times – California price gouging investigation and state warnings
