California Independent Petroleum Association CEO Rock Zierman joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to warn that government policies are cutting oil production in the state, driving up gas prices and increasing California’s dependence on foreign energy sources.
The national average price for regular gasoline rose above $4.50 a gallon on Wednesday as ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran continued to put pressure on fuel costs for American drivers.
AAA reported Wednesday that the national average for regular gas was $4.536, more than five cents more than Tuesday’s average of $4.483.
The highest amount recorded was $5,016 for June 14, 2022 gasprices.aaa.com. That took place during Joe Biden’s presidency.
AAA California’s average price for regular gas is a whopping $6.16 as of Wednesday, high above all other states.
NATIONAL AVERAGE GAS PRICE REACHES $4.45 FOR SUMMER DRIVING SEASON
A fuel pump is connected to a car at a Mobil station in Englewood Cliffs, NJ on Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Kena Betancur/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Oklahoma, Mississippi and Louisiana stayed just below $4, with AAA averages of $3.962, $3.97 and $3.993, respectively.
Several states averaged more than $5 per gallon for regular fuel, including Alaska at $5,188, Nevada at $5,233, Oregon at $5,332, Hawaii at $5,657 and Washington at $5,747.
CHEVRON CEO SAYS ECONOMY ‘WILL SLOW DOWN’ AS STRAIT OF HORMUZ CLOSURE DISRUPTS OIL SUPPLY
A sign shows the price of regular gasoline at a Chevron gas station in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. (Kaylee Greenlee/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The US has been busy with a blockade against Iran for more than three weeks.
AAA NATIONAL AVERAGE GAS PRICE RISE APPROXIMATELY 33 CENTS IN A WEEK
President Donald Trump waves after arriving at Ocala International Airport in Ocala, Florida on May 1, 2026. (Jim WATSON/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post Tuesday evening that Project Freedom, described as “The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz,” would be briefly paused while negotiations continue.
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“Based on the request of Pakistan and other countries, the tremendous military success we have had in the campaign against the country of Iran and, furthermore, the fact that great progress has been made toward a full and final agreement with representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that while the blockade will remain in full force, Project Freedom (the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a brief period to see whether or not the agreement can be finalized and signed,” Trump said. wrote.
