The Automobile Club of Southern California announced that gas prices in most regional areas have increased for the fourth consecutive week.
This trend affects drivers across Southern California as fuel costs continue to rise, with all major regions reporting higher prices compared to the previous week. According to a press release by the Automobile Club of Southern California, “California’s statewide gas price average rose five cents over the past week to $4.59, remaining 26 cents lower than last year, while the national average dropped two cents to $2.92 per gallon. Regional prices across Southern California also climbed, with Los Angeles-Long Beach and San Diego both averaging $4.62 per gallon, followed by the Central Coast at $4.51, Bakersfield at $4.49, and Riverside at $4.48… Although all areas reported weekly increases of up to seven cents, every region remains between 16 and 23 cents lower than the same date in 2025.”
As of Feb. 19, 2026, “the average price for self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.627 per gallon, marking a nearly one-cent increase from yesterday and a five-cent jump from last week. Mid-grade and premium fuels also saw weekly gains, reaching $4.860 and $5.017, respectively, while diesel is currently averaging $5.077 per gallon… Despite these recent hikes, current regular fuel prices remain roughly 16 cents lower than the $4.789 average recorded on this same date last year,” according to AAA.
Auto Club spokesperson Kandace Redd said in a press release by the Automobile Club of Southern California: “The gas price increases we have been seeing are typical for this time of year in Southern California as refineries undergo planned and unplanned maintenance while gasoline demand starts increasing, leading to upward price pressure.”
The Automobile Club of Southern California is part of the AAA national federation and provides services to members across multiple counties in California including Inyo, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura according to AAA. Founded in 1902 with about 1,500 members and now serving over 65 million members across North America through its federation structure according to AAA, it offers roadside assistance as well as insurance products and travel resources.
