Will Modesto-area gas costs rise due to Middle East strikes? Find cheapest prices
Conflict in the Middle East is driving up gas prices across California — and drivers in Stanislaus County may be feeling the impact at the pump.
Though California drivers typically pay the highest fuel prices in the United States, AAA reported that oil prices are being affected by global tensions.
“Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have added uncertainty to global and domestic gasoline markets,” AAA said in a news release on Sunday, June 22. “U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran’s response prompted a modest rise in oil prices during early trading this week, though markets have since steadied.”
While the average cost of regular gasoline in California reached $4.64, as of Wednesday, June 25, the price was about 20 cents less compared to a month ago.
If you’re looking to save at the pump, here’s where you can find cheaper gas around Stanislaus County:
How expensive is gas in California?
As of Wednesday, June 25, AAA reported California drivers pay the highest fuel prices in the United States, with the average cost of regular gasoline reaching $4.64 per gallon.
That is a dollar more than the national average of $3.22.
The Golden State has now topped the nation for gas prices for 19 consecutive weeks, according to AAA.
It’s one of four states, along with Hawaii, Washington and Oregon, where the average cost has climbed above $4 a gallon.
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How much will fuel prices rise due to Middle East conflict?
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at fuel price website GasBuddy, said gas prices are rising faster than they have since the summer of 2024.
“Few pumps have been immune, with nearly all states seeing gas prices rise over the last week,” he told the Miami Herald.
He said average gas prices saw their biggest weekly increase since August 2023, when gas prices peaked at $5.13 per gallon.
“Now, with the U.S. launching attacks on Iran, oil prices are likely to continue trending higher,” De Haan said. “That said, I do not expect the apocalyptic spikes being circulated by some so-called influencers on social media — many of which are wildly inaccurate.”
Drivers can expect prices to keep rising over the next few days, with the national average price for a gallon of regular gas possibly going up seven to 15 cents, he said. The price for diesel could rise by 10 to 20 cents.
“These forecasts remain fluid and could shift quickly depending on global developments,” De Haan said.
How much does gas cost in Modesto area?
As of Wednesday, June 25, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Modesto was $4.39.
That is roughly 50 cents lower than a month ago and more than a dollar cheaper compared to June 2024.
Where to find cheapest gas in Stanislaus County
As of Wednesday, some Modesto area stations were offering prices below the local average of $4.39, according to the price-tracking site GasBuddy.
These were 10 of the cheapest gas stations in Stanislaus County based on the cash price for a gallon of regular gasoline, according to GasBuddy:
- $3.79 per gallon — ARCO, 2219 Lander Ave., Turlock
- $3.79 per gallon — ARCO, 1801 Lander Ave., Turlock
- $3.79 per gallon — ARCO, 210 North Golden State Blvd., Turlock
- $3.84 per gallon — Quik Stop, 1260 Geer Road, Turlock
- $3.85 per gallon — ARCO, 2015 West Main St., Turlock
- $3.87 per gallon — Kwik Serv, 1700 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto
- $3.89 per gallon — Costco, 2955 North Tegner Road, Turlock
- $3.89 per gallon — ARCO, 3936 Mitchell Road, Ceres
- $3.89 per gallon — ARCO, 2507 North Ninth St., Ceres
- $3.89 per gallon — Circle K, 1600 West Main St., Turlock
