Diesel in Bakersfield has risen to a local record of about $7.81 per gallon, while regular gas averages roughly $5.85, prompting residents to cut trips and adjust household budgets. AAA attributes the spike mainly to oil trading near or above $100 a barrel amid global supply concerns tied to the Middle East. The higher diesel price hits Kern County hard because agriculture and trucking rely on it. Experts advise maximizing vehicle efficiency and shopping around for cheaper stations.
Kern County Diesel Hits Record $7.81; Bakersfield Drivers Cut Trips as Gas Nears $5.85
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Rising fuel prices in Bakersfield, California, are squeezing household budgets and prompting many residents to reduce driving for commutes, errands and work trips. Diesel has climbed to a local record and regular gasoline is approaching $6 a gallon, putting new pressure on families and businesses across Kern County.
Local Prices and Reaction
Data from AAA, cited by KBAK-TV, puts Bakersfield's diesel average at about $7.81 per gallon — the highest level on record locally — while regular unleaded averages roughly $5.85 per gallon.
What Drivers Are Saying
"It's astronomical, disappointing, trying to figure out how to, again, save money and not drive,"
said Christina Del Torodias, reflecting a common reaction from local motorists.
"I fill up every week so I would say [I spend] about $300,"
estimated Sharron Briggs, describing how quickly costs add up for some households.
"I got a six. I used to have an eight. I brought down maybe nine and you'd go to a four. I don't know, who knows. In time maybe I'll be driving a lawnmower,"
joked Lupe Perez, highlighting small personal changes drivers are trying to make to reduce consumption.
Why Prices Are Rising
AAA Senior Public Affairs Specialist Anlleyn Venegas pointed to global oil markets as a primary driver of the jump. "Oil is trading near or above $100 a barrel because of global supply concerns. And this is related to the conflict in the Middle East," Venegas said. That climb in diesel is especially consequential in Kern County, where agriculture, trucking and other industries depend heavily on diesel fuel.
Tips To Ease the Squeeze
Venegas recommended practical steps drivers can take to limit fuel costs: prioritize fuel-efficient driving habits, keep vehicle maintenance up to date, and compare prices between stations to find the lowest pump price.
Broader Context
Bakersfield's price spike mirrors a wider squeeze affecting drivers across California and the United States. Motorists are reporting "pump anxiety" as they weigh every mile, and higher gasoline prices are encouraging more people to reassess EV ownership math — for example, gasoline averaged about $5.35 a gallon in parts of Washington in recent reporting. The local surge underscores how global supply tensions can quickly filter down to household budgets and regional industries.
Reporting based on AAA figures and interviews cited by KBAK-TV.
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