For years, California leaders accused oil companies of price gouging at the pump, but a state investigation found no evidence of that. Instead, a CBS News California investigation found what's really driving the highest gas prices in the U.S.
April 2, 2026 / 10:48 PM EDT / CBS News California
Instead, a six-month-long CBS News California investigation revealed a complicated reality shaped by state policies, refinery closures, and global supply risks that uniquely impact California's isolated fuel market.
What CBS News California Investigates found:
California drivers pay the highest gas prices in the nation. As the conflict in the Middle East increases gas prices globally, California gas continues to be the most expensive in the nation, rising above $6 a gallon.
Last time gas hit $6 a gallon in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom began accusing oil companies of price gouging. California's supermajority Democratic legislature held a taxpayer-funded "price gouging" special session, culminating with legislation that was intended to cap oil company profits and force them to open their books.