Pain at the Pump: Humboldt Drivers See Sharp Fuel Price Increases

Chevron fuel prices on 3/9

Fuel prices in Southern Humboldt jumped over 30 cents per gallon for diesel fuel within an hour on March 9, 2026. [Photo by Cinnamon Paula]

Drivers in Humboldt County are already seeing sharp increases at the pump as fuel prices climb rapidly across the United States in the wake of the conflict in Iran.

Early Monday morning, Brian Paula headed into town to fill up his vehicle before prices rose. When he arrived around 7:50 a.m., diesel at the Redway Chevron station was listed at $6.45 for members and $6.65 for non-members, according to his wife, Cinnamon Paula.

About an hour later, after picking her up, the couple drove past the same station again.

“It went up [over] 30 cents in an hour. And no, they did not get a new delivery in that hour,” Cinnamon Paula told us.

The sign now showed diesel at $6.79 for members and $6.95 for non-members.

“How is that ethical?” she asked.

The sudden jump comes as fuel prices are rising rapidly nationwide amid disruptions in global oil markets.

Nationally, gasoline prices have surged in the days since the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28. According to AAA, the national average for regular gasoline is now $3.48 per gallon as of Monday morning — up 48 cents from last week and 58 cents from a month ago. The increase is directly tied to the conflict: Iran has brought shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to an effective halt, suspending roughly a fifth of global crude oil and natural gas supply, a chokepoint through which about 20% of the world’s daily oil supply normally passes.

Crude oil prices surged past $100 per barrel for the first time since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine this weekend, with Brent crude briefly topping $119 a barrel and WTI reaching similar highs before pulling back to around $101–$107 by Monday afternoon. Oil prices have climbed more than 50% since the strikes on Iran began, according to multiple market analysts.

Diesel prices have been particularly hard hit. The national average for diesel rose nearly 89 cents over the past week alone to $4.66 a gallon, a pace analysts attribute to the fuel’s tight inventory and its critical role in freight transportation, agriculture, and construction — sectors where global supply disruptions translate quickly into higher pump prices.

California drivers, however, are experiencing even steeper increases than most of the country.

The state’s average gasoline price hit $5.20 per gallon on Monday, according to AAA, dramatically above the national average and the highest of any state. California’s strict fuel standards, higher taxes, and limited number of refineries capable of producing California-compliant gasoline all contribute to the persistent gap between state and national prices. Those taxes, however, don’t scale with the price at the pump — the state collects a flat 61.2 cents per gallon whether fuel costs $3 or $8, meaning that when prices spike and drivers cut back, road maintenance revenue actually falls.

In Humboldt County, local prices are frequently higher still because of transportation costs and the region’s limited fuel supply options, putting local diesel well ahead of even the elevated California average.

Energy analysts say local stations sometimes adjust prices quickly when wholesale costs rise, particularly if operators expect the next delivery of fuel to arrive at a higher price. Those changes can appear sudden to customers, even when they reflect broader market trends.

President Trump, responding to public concern over rising costs, posted on Truth Social Sunday evening: “Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace.” The administration has so far resisted calls to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

For drivers like the Paulas, however, the speed of the increases is what stands out most.

Seeing diesel rise by over 30 cents within an hour raises questions many local residents are asking as prices approach $7 per gallon.

“How much will it go up with the next delivery?” Cinnamon Paula wondered.

It’s not an idle question. Analysts warn that prices could climb significantly higher if the Strait of Hormuz closure continues, with one Kpler analyst estimating oil could reach $150 a barrel by the end of March if tanker traffic does not resume. Prediction markets are currently placing 63% odds that the national average gas price hits $4.50 per gallon by month’s end, with a 34% chance it exceeds $5.00.

For California, that would mean average gasoline prices approaching $7.48 per gallon. In Humboldt County, already paying above the state average, diesel could push well past $8 per gallon before the month is out. For a rural community where driving isn’t optional and many livelihoods run on diesel, Cinnamon Paula’s question may soon have an answer no one wants to hear.

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Claire Perricelli
Guest
Claire Perricelli
3 months ago

Dear MAGAs, I hope you know exactly who to blame for this. Your cult leader is burning the world and your wallets as well. There are better alternatives. Join the resistance.

Chuck U
Guest
Chuck U
3 months ago

I hope you are not so ignorant as to think this is a republican issue, if so go back and find the only standing ovation given by the democrats at the state of the union, it was thumping Iran. We will never fix anything till we kick the Israel lobby out of US politics and campaign finance reform. If Gaza had the ability to shut the Strait of Hormuz this would have happened under Biden.

suspence
Guest
suspence
3 months ago
Reply to  Chuck U

Nice hypothetical situation that has no basis in reality.

ernestine
Guest
ernestine
3 months ago
Reply to  Chuck U

yea Claire, cuz biden started this war, got the strait of Hormuz shut down, and bombed all those oil fields last week.
Jeez figure it out Claire. It’s Biden”s military that is trying to jump start Armegeddon, telling the troops to smile as theyre about to meet god

Timb0
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  ernestine

Even the extraterrestrials have pulled out, and gone back to their planets. They don’t care to be nuked.

triniboldticino
Guest
triniboldticino
2 months ago
Reply to  Chuck U

Wow. Delusions. This ain’t going to end well, especially for those that have lapped up the lies with their wide eyed hero worship over the years. But we’ve been telling you for a long time you’re being conned. Hey, though, lie until you die and blame everyone else except the person actually at fault. Deflect and deny. It’s what your fuhrer does daily. It might make you feel less guilty for supporting this mess, but it doesn’t alter reality.

Last edited 2 months ago
local observer
Guest
local observer
3 months ago

trump made west texas crude great again. i don’t think it has ever been higher than brent.

Ed Voice
Guest
Ed Voice
3 months ago
Reply to  local observer

Maybe hire Supervisor Bohn to yell about this, sense he is accused of being disrespectful toward County employees and using profanity:

https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2026/mar/6/investigation-finds-supervisor-rex-bohn-was-hostil/

The Real Guest..
Guest
The Real Guest..
3 months ago
Reply to  Ed Voice

Supervisors Bushnell and Bohn are not for the faint of heart…

They are the very best of the bunch, if you ask me…

Last edited 3 months ago
Actually
Guest
Actually
3 months ago

lol what. Please explain why

Stupid Games Stupid Prizes
Member

If CA didn’t already have the highest gas taxes and rates in the US, the pinch wouldn’t feel so bad. Blaming 100% on the war is just ignorant.

Yabut
Guest
Yabut
3 months ago

California has a lot of self-inflicted pain on gasoline before this shortage happened. It’s “summer blend” is more expensive to start, california taxes much more, refineries are discouraged and, as far as I know, California still does not have a pipeline to cheaper gas from out east. Most of our comes directly from the Middle east. Some may chortle over having electric cars but still 99% of goods in California are moved by diesel trucks and prices will go up for everything fast.

But this is really scary for reasons other than cost. Trump is clearly vulnerable over gas costs as it is easy to see this increase as directly tied to his bombing of Iran. He will havecto do something. Hopefully he will come up with less scary actions than he is onown for. Heck he should have already had contingency plans as this was inevitable.

So what is he going to do? More attacks on Iran to stop them closing the Straits? Demand more oil from the Saudis and their allied states? Wring more out of Venezuela? Is the strategic oil reserves at risk? What? Anything he does is going to be risky and expensive. And if recent history is any guide the Democrats are going to more than double down in hateful divisive rhetoric so Trump can expect no help , the mid terms are soon here and the American public loves their gas. Scary in so many directions.

Last edited 3 months ago
Friday
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  Yabut

Contingency? Plans? He don’t need no stinkin’ plans.

Stupid Games Stupid Prizes
Member
Reply to  Yabut

And even if the CA Dems were offered a solution to our rising fuel costs, they would reject it simply to make the orange man look bad

Farce
Guest
Farce
3 months ago

OMG I hate to agree but…I can see it due to how they have been behaving. No new ideas just beat up on anything that happens and pin it to Trump and REPs. Sad state of affairs right now….

suspence
Guest
suspence
3 months ago
Reply to  Farce

I believe it has a lot to do with the additives that make it burn cleaner. But everything is convoluted and shady who knows.

melanopsin
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  suspence

if “everything is convoluted and shady”, what makes you think “additives … make it burn cleaner”? (they don’t, but, they are cheaper than pure fuel, “stretch” the fuel volume, i.e., more profit)

But don’t take my word for it…try measuring “regular” mileage vs. “premium” mileage for the same $ of gas, i.e. compare mileage from $10 premium with mileage from $10 regular.

Last edited 3 months ago
Psycho Pete
Guest
Psycho Pete
3 months ago
Reply to  melanopsin

Wow, just wow! Holy wow batman!

Do you really not know that “Premium” and “Regular” really only correspond to octane ratings for the fuel. Have you ever noticed those numbers that are at the same spots where the Premium and Regular markings are, numbers usually something like 87, 89, or 91. Those aren’t fortune cookie lucky numbers of the day my guy, or recommended lottery numbers to play when buying a ticket at the counter inside. Do a little google search. The numbers and what is required by each car primarily corresponds to internal physical compression of the fuel / air mixture inside the cylinder, which could be measured in PSI. Design differences between various gasoline engines can result in the internal compression being somewhat higher or lower. Higher compression engines will require higher octane rating fuel so that it does ignite or detonate before the piston has reach the proper position in the course of it’s cycling through the range of motion internally.

Altitude also directly effects the selection of necessary octane rating of fuel because at higher altitudes the atmosphere and column of gas pushing down (atmospheric pressure) is reduced resulting in a lower gas pressure, so that fuel will not ignite quite as easily as at the higher pressure of elevation closer to sea level, meaning you can use slightly lower octane fuel for the same engine model without it having a negative operating effect.

The additives in fuel are not to “stretch” fuel. Some of the better sources of gas like Chevron and BP will often have additives that can potentially benefit the longevity of service of the fuel system of the car such as the fuel pump and fuel injectors and also help the fuel burn a bit cleaner, which can also help the internal components of the engine stay a bit cleaner and not build up carbon and soot quite as fast, though I’m not claiming that they will always make a significant difference.

Some people, just wow! And they let just anybody vote. Wow. And some people are worried about illegals trying to vote, but wow. Damn this country is f—ed.

I hope you never touch anything important in your car or ever try changing the oil.

Last edited 3 months ago
melanopsin
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  Psycho Pete

As I wrote….”try it”…instead of shooting the messenger.

Psycho Pete
Guest
Psycho Pete
3 months ago
Reply to  melanopsin

I’m pretty sure this was not sarcasm:

if “everything is convoluted and shady”, what makes you think “additives … make it burn cleaner”? (they don’t, but, they are cheaper than pure fuel, “stretch” the fuel volume, i.e., more profit)

Those additives do not have anything to do with “stretching” the fuel to dilute it to make it cheaper to produce by volume. Some gasoline suppliers that include additives in the fuel do incur a slightly increased cost of production production, at least slightly, it’s not completely nonsense. It makes the fuel less “dry,” slightly more lubricating on fuel system components, and can help it burn cleaner, which also helps the downstream emissions control system such as oxygen sensors and catalytic converters.

Those additives are similar to ones people go out of their way to buy from the auto parts stores to periodically add to their tank of gas to clean the fuel system and if you have ever used those additives you can actually see a slight increase in the miles per gallon the car is getting while it is part of the full mix for that tank of gas. I know because I have done it and noticed it myself.

Are you confusing ethanol that is often required as part of the fuel mixture in many places around the country for the more specific and supposed beneficial additives that some suppliers of gasoline add. Ethanol free gas is generally slightly better, especially for older model cars, from the point of view of performance of the engine and related systems and ethanol free gasoline can get slightly higher gas mileage than gas that is has an ethanol fraction. Ethanol is a roundabout way or argument of reducing environmental harm, through offset atmospheric carbon absorption and release through crops, but in reality just mostly a huge subsidy to the giant corn growing production in the country to make a base level added amount of demand for their crops. You may know these things, but for those that don’t, hopefully it helps their understanding since this is basic stuff that the average person deals with since most people are responsible for gasoline consumption in some form.

Last edited 3 months ago
melanopsin
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  Psycho Pete

Aaargh…you got me! (not)

Let’s see some references from non-indoctrinated sources. 🙂

It’s a really simple experiment, unlikely to cause any harm.

Last edited 3 months ago
Psycho Pete
Guest
Psycho Pete
3 months ago
Reply to  melanopsin

Experiment with what, putting 87 octane gas in a car that is supposed to use 91 octane? lol. It won’t mess up most cars but it can make the engine run a bit worse, and over time it could cause damage to the engine if constantly running octane below the recommended rating. I wouldn’t do it in a car that has a turbo charger. I have never owned a car with a turbo charger, but I think most recommend premium gas due to the higher compression ration, though I don’t personally know this. I have no interest in owning a car with a turbocharger anyways.

I think you are confusing putting 91 octane gas in a car that says it is supposed to use 87 octane. Putting premium gas in a car that is supposed to use 87 octane won’t do any harm at all but it will just cost a bit more to fill up. There are some cases where a car that is supposed to use 87 octane but instead are ran on 91 octane can get a very slight increase in gas mileage, but it’s not usually worth it based on price per gallon.

I have noticed using 91 octane in a car that is supposed to take 87 slightly help an old car that was running rough due to certain problems but that is not a normal situation.

There is no need to experiment with this stuff. I have done enough of what you would call experimenting myself and also reading on the subject. This is widely available information, I’m not going to pull up sources for what I am telling you since it’s not obscure information only to be found in academic journals or something like that.

Do you really think all over the country and the world, they are running a scam of having multiple different octane grades of gasoline without people being smart enough to catch on? Wow.

…the little smiley face next to your request for me to cite sources…….you’re trolling me aren’t you. Damn it!

Last edited 3 months ago
melanopsin
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  Psycho Pete

Octane rating https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

Octane rating does not relate directly to the power output or the energy content of the fuel per unit mass or volume.

Whether a higher octane fuel improves or impairs an engine’s performance depends on the design of the engine.

Therefore, depending on engine design and price difference, some engines will get more milage from $10 premium vs $10 regular.

My experience years ago with Toyota SR5 was better gas mileage from $10 premium. That may not be true today due to larger price difference between premium and regular.

YMMV LOL

Last edited 3 months ago
melanopsin
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  Psycho Pete

I don’t recommend Ethanol fuel for older cars because it dries out rubber fuel components which could lead to leakage and fire.

Kym Kemp
Admin
3 months ago
Reply to  Psycho Pete

Psycho, you are very close to being put on moderation.

The Real Guest..
Guest
The Real Guest..
2 months ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

That sounds kind of funny…

Timb0
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  suspence

Here is something we can all agree on. It goes up in the summer. And it goes up in the winter. Summer Blend is more expensive. Winter blend is more expensive.

Timb0
Member
3 months ago

Anything for your Mr Tangerine man. Try again.

triniboldticino
Guest
triniboldticino
2 months ago

People trying to do good falling to the political power of corporate greed. I remember LA in the early 70’s. Smog so bad you couldn’t see a half mile. Money is rapidly moving to the top of the pile out of your pocket. R’s support profits and no contribution whatsoever to stopping the pollution and poisoning and D’s can’t get out of their own way and some are just as crooked as the R’s.

Mr. Clark
Member
3 months ago

blame CARB. That bunch is the real problem.

Timb0
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  Mr. Clark

The California Air Resources Board has cleaned up the air in California considerably. If you haven’t been to LA lately, it’s pretty clear Now compared to the 1960s and 70s. You could barely see the San Gabriel Mountains back then. However, yes, it’s caused a lot of problems too, especially with Trying to smog an old vehicle. I don’t think my 2003 Chevy is going to smog. It needs a catalytic converter and they want $2000. With installation. This, of course, has nothing to do with the price of gas. The real price of Gas is global climate change.

suspence
Guest
suspence
3 months ago

Well he ran on bringing the cost of living down, so…

Stupid Games Stupid Prizes
Member
Reply to  suspence

It’s down everywhere else, except CA

Non-fiction
Guest
Non-fiction
3 months ago

If you think that’s true, then you must not know anyone outside CA.

Stupid Games Stupid Prizes
Member
Reply to  Non-fiction

https://www.investopedia.com/gas-prices-rise-this-week-where-drivers-are-paying-the-most-and-least-11918162

Man it must be so rough paying 2.90 a gallon! Like I said before if we didn’t already have the highest gas prices, the pinch wouldn’t feel so bad

Non-fiction
Guest
Non-fiction
2 months ago

Suspence referenced the campaign promise to bring down “the cost of living”.

You said “It’s down everywhere else, except CA”.

Regardless of the until recent drops in fueling costs, most people KNOW that the cost of living is not down anywhere in the US, except for the billionaire buddies.

Stupid Games Stupid Prizes
Member
Reply to  Non-fiction

“Most people KNOW” is usually code for “I don’t have data.” Costs have eased in much of the country. California is the outlier because of policy choices, not because billionaires secretly lowered prices everywhere else.

Non-fiction
Guest
Non-fiction
2 months ago

If you need data to see what’s plainly in everyone’s face then maybe you’re head is in the sand to avoid questioning your dear leader’s lies.?.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2025/12/11/trump-keeps-insisting-theres-no-affordability-crisis-despite-data-showing-otherwise/

https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/1C1FEA63-62C4-48D5-9687-F87DB279AAE7

There’s plenty more if you put in a smidgen of effort.

“Costs have eased in much of the country.”
Have data???
Sounds like bullshit repeated from fox news (who’s corporate charter is explicit in stating they are in the entertainment business, not journalism).

Last edited 2 months ago
Buddy
Guest
Buddy
2 months ago

Is Newsom to blame for gas prices spiking in every other US state?

It’s pretty obvious from some of the comments here that the only thing getting nuked is MAGA voters’ brains.

Stupid Games Stupid Prizes
Member
Reply to  Buddy

Yes, gas prices fluctuate nationwide. The reason Californians consistently pay $1–$2 more per gallon is taxes, regulations, and refinery policy. Global markets explain the rise, Sacramento and Newsom explains the extra pain in CA

THC
Member
THC
3 months ago

Right this has nothing to do with the fact that over regulations is shutting down the three refineries we have in California that makes our special blend.. so instead of just allowing us to use the blend that most of the rest of the country uses I’m so glad California is doing its part to save the environment by shipping over 40% of our gasoline in from the Bahamas 🫠

Last edited 3 months ago
local observer
Guest
local observer
3 months ago
Reply to  THC

it is refined in TX and LA before being sent to the Bahamas.

THC
Member
THC
3 months ago
Reply to  local observer

“it is refined in TX and LA before being sent to the Bahamas.” Just out of curiosity, was that statement supposed to highlight less government ineptitude? Because,I mean if they’re seriously refining it in LA and then shipping it to the Bahamas and back that is some extreme incompetency.. I mean are they trying to rack up frequent boating miles for the petroleum?
No it’s getting shipped through the Bahamas because this was a emergency situation, because nobody in our stupid CA government realized if they over regulated our refineries that the refineries might just quit and leave the state instead of spending all the money to become compliant with the new regulations..So now since they don’t have a contracted domestic shipping route they are using the Bahamas to get around the “Jones Act”. Because we all know how California likes their cheap foreign labor…

John S
Member
John S
3 months ago
Reply to  THC
Last edited 3 months ago
Bill the retired cook
Guest
Bill the retired cook
3 months ago

These prices are the reason I bought a Toyota Corolla hybrid…

Stupid Games Stupid Prizes
Member

Soon to be taxed for every mile 2027!

Bozo
Guest
Bozo
3 months ago

IMHO:

Meanwhile: (91 Octane $6.95 gallon at noon.)

CARB/Newsomites are set to jump fuel prices by 70 cents per gallon… Yup. TAXES.
More at: >”https://youtu.be/s1ABgevpG8s”

Web stuff—

It’s already $8.21 per gallon for a regular 87 octane when I passed by a Chevron near LAX this morning.

Regional Spikes: Some stations in Southern California have seen prices soar above $7 and as high as $8.21.

CsMisadventures
Guest
CsMisadventures
3 months ago
Reply to  Lisa Music

That’s an AI answer. Also incorrect. Per GasBuddy,(Inglewood and Industry example) nothing near LAX is currently over $6, even for premium. If they saw one that high, they’d be in price-gouging territory as that isn’t the average, and some stations are still under $5 for mid-grade.

Thatguyinarcata
Guest
Thatguyinarcata
3 months ago

There’s a station near downtown la that is notorious for absurd prices and is frequently photographed and shared as “crazy California prices”. I remember back in late 2022 I came upon it and they wanted over $7 for a gallon of regular.

I’m sure they’re pushing $9 now

Bill Hogoboom
Member
3 months ago

Are we talking about the Shell station at the top of G St.?

Bozo
Guest
Bozo
3 months ago
Reply to  Bill Hogoboom

IMHO:

Sounds like it. A number of years ago it was for sale. In the real estate add for the station they posted how much ‘extra’ they were charging for gasoline.

It was A LOT. Was a bit of local kerfuffle… and they pulled the add.

Thatguyinarcata
Guest
Thatguyinarcata
3 months ago
Reply to  Bill Hogoboom

Could be, I encountered it on accident once as I was heading from south east LA toward Hollywood to eventually hit Santa Monica and catch the 101 after the beach. I told my LA born and raised friend about the crazy price and he immediately seemed to know what station I was talking about.

The Real Guest..
Guest
The Real Guest..
3 months ago

WRONG…!!!

Is seeing believing…???

$8.21 9/10 per gallon of regular gasoline, SURE AS SHIT@ CHEVRON NEAR LAX…!!!

JUST LIKE BOZO POSTED…!!!

https://youtu.be/BLCbpWfkEsA?si=YsLqP7NZ8ZfHMN9i

FROM ABC 7




https://kymkemp.com/2026/03/09/pain-at-the-pump-humboldt-drivers-see-sharp-fuel-price-increases/#comment-1910580

Screenshot_20260309-211040
CsMisadventures
Guest
CsMisadventures
3 months ago

One station. Not a thousand others. One. Feel special now?

The Real Guest..
Guest
The Real Guest..
3 months ago

Here.is the true claim that you errantly claimed was “incorrect “…

“It’s already $8.21 per gallon for a regular 87 octane when I passed by a Chevron near LAX this morning.”

-Bozo-

“Regional Spikes: Some stations in Southern California have seen prices soar above $7 and as high as $8.21”.

Here was your untrue claim, that was, in fact, wrong…

“nothing near LAX is currently over $6, even for premium.”

-CsM-

But that is clearly, and obviously, dead wrong…

No question about that, whatsoever…

Let’s not kid ourselves…

Its not my problem that you can’t just admit you were wrong, and cant just admit that Bozo was right…

Nobody claimed that thousand’s of stations were charging $8.21 per gallon…

Bozo truthfully only claimed that one was.

One…

And he was right…

But you just had to disagree…

But it was you that was wrong…

[edit]

Last edited 3 months ago
The Real Guest..
Guest
The Real Guest..
3 months ago

???
…………………………..

“Feel special now?”

-CsMisadventures-

_______________________________”””””

https://kymkemp.com/2026/03/09/pain-at-the-pump-humboldt-drivers-see-sharp-fuel-price-increases/#comment-1910599

But my comment gets edited…???

Whatevs…

Last edited 3 months ago
Bozo
Guest
Bozo
3 months ago
Reply to  Lisa Music

Couple gas stations flirted with $8 gas… not widespread, but AI picked up on those posts.

If CARB/Newsomites new fees go through… that will push it over.

The Real Guest..
Guest
The Real Guest..
3 months ago
Reply to  Lisa Music

Here is a link and a screengrab from a ABC7 news feature on it…

https://youtu.be/BLCbpWfkEsA?si=YsLqP7NZ8ZfHMN9i

Will that suffice…???

Screenshot_20260309-211040
The Real Guest..
Guest
The Real Guest..
3 months ago
Reply to  Lisa Music
Timb0
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  Lisa Music

Let’s see.

RDrn
Guest
RDrn
3 months ago

Inflation and political choices causing prices to rise for yet another thing around here? No problem. We’re resilient, educated, enterprising, and hard working folks. Jobs are plentiful, Amazon’s new warehouse will create great jobs with equally great benefits, and tax receipts are up. Heck, not like the Humboldt County economy is a basket case and circling the drain.

Jeffersonian
Guest
Jeffersonian
3 months ago

It costs relatively little to transport fuel here by barge to the chevron terminal

melanopsin
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  Jeffersonian
Last edited 3 months ago
CsMisadventures
Guest
CsMisadventures
3 months ago
Reply to  melanopsin

Thing with that comparison is you can’t eliminate one of them as deliveries of the product get divvied up and transported to smaller and smaller markets to where we’re at shopping cart levels and fuel used to get to the grocery store. The only workaround would be everyone ride a bike with a trailer, and fill some 5gal buckets with grain and be on their way. Or make all the tractor trailer hauling EV only as CA has been trying to do.

melanopsin
Member
3 months ago

Good point! It still takes 191 semis to empty one barge…and, will a barge that big would fit through that narrow opening?

Bozo
Guest
Bozo
3 months ago
Reply to  melanopsin

Eh ? They deliver fuel barges through the Humboldt Bay bar all the time.

Long ago… was out salmon fishing (yup, fogged in) and the tug/barge were just off the coast… doing circles through the ‘sport salmon fleet’.

They were either waiting for the proper tide or maybe the fog to clear.
In a small boat, that was bit scary. First the tug… then maybe 1000 feet of chain cable, then the barge.

Coast Guard usually accompanies the barge through the entrance.

CsMisadventures
Guest
CsMisadventures
3 months ago
Reply to  Bozo

Those are tiny by comparison. Grain barges going up and down places like the Columbia River or the Mississippi can be quite long. But look at how many trucks line up to fuel each an every station in the mornings by the Renner depot.

melanopsin
Member
3 months ago

Remember the 1.7 million gallon almost spilled?

Fuel Barge Hauling 1.7 Million Gallons of Diesel Collides with Jetty in Humboldt Bay
KMUD News

https://m.soundcloud.com/kmudnews/fuel-barge-hauling-17-million-gallons-of-diesel-collides-with-jetty-in-humboldt-bay

Last edited 3 months ago
Kris
Guest
Kris
3 months ago

@realDonaldTrump
·

Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace. ONLY FOOLS WOULD THINK DIFFERENTLY!
President DJT

So as your paying more at the pump and for groceries remember, you are saving the world and the USA.
Wait, didn’t he obliterate that nuclear threat a couple of months ago? Is he discombobulated?

Angela Robinson
Member
Angela Robinson
3 months ago
Reply to  Kris

Yes he did claim he had obliterated Iran’s nuclear capability in June. And anyone who said otherwise was Fake News.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/06/irans-nuclear-facilities-have-been-obliterated-and-suggestions-otherwise-are-fake-news/

average Joe
Guest
average Joe
3 months ago

“It’s a small price to pay”–DJT

I am a robot
Guest
I am a robot
3 months ago

This is what MAGA voted for. This and death for innocent children. Great job.

Farce
Guest
Farce
3 months ago
Reply to  I am a robot

Well…the other perspective is that allowing very evil governments to consolidate and join others and acquire nuclear weapons would be worse in the near future. Iran’s government just slaughtered 20,000-30,000 of their own people 9including children) for peacefully protesting. Are you cool with that? I’m not either. So you got a better solution?

suspence
Guest
suspence
3 months ago
Reply to  Farce

You think that is why Trump bombed Iran? I think there are broader geopolitical issues and the reason it hasn’t happened before is because of the ramifications to the US economy. I mean really, he did this for ethical reasons? Really?

Farce
Guest
Farce
3 months ago
Reply to  suspence

I never said that

Entering a world of pain
Guest
Entering a world of pain
3 months ago

Don’t we have a large strategic reserve, that could be used to increase domestic production specifically for these types of scenarios?

KatMac
Guest
KatMac
3 months ago

Our reserves are roughly at half capacity and were not refilled before he started a war, so now they are thinking of using some of them again, but the cost will be much higher due to the war to refill the tanks and bring it up to 100% capacity. Which I do not understand why he did not send the tankers from Venezuela for refining here in the US and refill the tanks with that instead of selling it to another country and make 500 million and then Trump put it a private account in a bank in Qatar instead of here in the US, should it not be put into the US economy for paying down the debts, just wondering out loud about where hands will eventually using that money behind the taxpayers back and enriching his family. JMO

Farce
Guest
Farce
3 months ago
Reply to  KatMac

Thank you for connecting dots! I’d hoped the mainstream press could at least do that…

suspence
Guest
suspence
3 months ago
Reply to  KatMac

Google what the US military consumption of crude barrels/day is. Globally its about 100 mil. This isn’t sustainable. God forbid we have a windfarm.

John S
Member
John S
2 months ago
Reply to  KatMac

You can thank Biden for draining those reserves

THC
Member
THC
3 months ago

That’s at a federal level, Trump’s not going to free up the reserves because California government has put so much over regulation on their gas production..

Charlie
Guest
Charlie
3 months ago

Thanks to Dumb Donny.

CsMisadventures
Guest
CsMisadventures
3 months ago

Prices dropped like a brick this morning. Under $90. But it’ll be a year before we see that change on our end.

oil-price-monday
Yabut
Guest
Yabut
3 months ago

“President Trump told CBS News in an interview the U.S. “could do a lot” about the Strait of Hormuz, as shipping grinds nearly to a halt in a waterway that carries about 20% of the world’s oil.
The president asserted that the strait — which lies between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula — is open now, but said he’s “thinking about taking it over.”
He also threatens Iran if it interferes with the waterway.
“They’ve shot everything they have to shoot, and they better not try anything cute or it’s going to be the end of that country,” the president said. “If they do anything bad, that would be the end of Iran and you’d never hear the name again.”

Post: President Trump told the New York Post he has a plan to address surging oil prices, as the U.S.-Israeli operation in Iran moves forward.

“I have a plan for everything, OK?” he told the Post. “I have a plan for everything. You’ll be very happy.”

The president did not elaborate.”

https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/us-iran-war-israel-stock-p

But what makes you think it will be a year before prices here drop?

Last edited 3 months ago
Psycho Pete
Guest
Psycho Pete
3 months ago
Reply to  Yabut

Were those quotes of dear leader supposed to make us think that he knows what he is doing or what he is talking about?

Trump looks really bad, and those quotes reinforce the perception that he is in over his head.

Yabut
Guest
Yabut
3 months ago
Reply to  Psycho Pete

How do I know what his meaning is. This was just an elaboration on CS’s post. It was not a personal statement. Information for anyone who’s interested.

CsMisadventures
Guest
CsMisadventures
3 months ago
Reply to  Yabut

By the time it gets through refining and to the depots. Nobody is going to sell at a loss later if they bought now unless you’re one of the largest fuel companies and can skew things at will or held off buying anything, which makes for a supply crunch later.

THC
Member
THC
3 months ago

We won’t see any change at our end California’s high gas prices have nothing to do with the federal government or the war in Iran..

CsMisadventures
Guest
CsMisadventures
3 months ago
Reply to  THC

CA can refine it. For now. If Chevron is buying crude at $150 a barrel next week where do you think that cost increase is going to trickle down to? What’s going on in the world is a direct increase based on fear of market insecurity, so the producers are trying to get paid ahead of any interruptions. We pay for those interruptions. If not from refined crude, but any fossil fuel products.

THC
Member
THC
2 months ago

Our gas prices in California have been higher than the national average for decades, the prices were already going up because of Refinerys closing because of over regulation before Iran kicked off. We are importing over 40% of our gas right now from the Bahamas because our two remaining refineries can’t keep up with Demand, with another one slated to close by next year. Of course our prices will go up more because of the Iran conflict but the majority of our costs have nothing to do with it.

Last edited 2 months ago
Wat
Member
Wat
3 months ago

We are getting double squeezed in California. We already had high prices due to state taxes and regulation constraining supply. Now we have federal actions via Trump affecting the world market. We can’t take this. Newsom needs to make a temporary moratorium on California gas tax or regulation causing refineries to leave.

California state government makes $55 million per day on our gas tax, we need temporary relief and that is a quick way to bring down prices while not affecting state coffers terribly.

Last edited 3 months ago
Farce
Guest
Farce
3 months ago
Reply to  Wat

Would be nice. What do you think the odds are that they will stop taking that money to ease our pain? I’m saying….maybe as much as 1%

Wat
Member
Wat
3 months ago
Reply to  Farce

About as much chance as they pull the “temporary” income tax. But just saying if they want to offer relief for the California citizen that would be a quick way to do it.

I am a robot
Guest
I am a robot
3 months ago

Israeli journalist, Alon Mizrahi:
“We are witnessing history. Iran is, to the surprise of everyone, fucking up US bases so thoroughly and extensively and so decisively that the world isn’t ready to see it.”
(Post via Jan Klemmer)

“In 4 days, Iran has managed to expand its scope of military domination in the region. Iran has destroyed the most precious, most expensive military bases, assets and equipment in the whole world. American bases in Bahrain and Kuwait and Qatar and Saudi Arabia are some of the biggest military installations in the entire world. These are assets that took trillions to build over the course of several decades. We’re talking a major chunk of military expenditure for over 30 years, going up in smoke.

We are seeing radars costing hundreds of millions of dollars a piece being destroyed in an instant. We are seeing entire military bases being abandoned and burned, decimated and destroyed. And I’m telling you from my knowledge, the US has never suffered such devastation in its entire history, except maybe Pearl Harbor but that was one attack.

No enemy in a normal war has done to the US military what the Iranians are doing to the US military right now. This defies belief. The military situation is so bad that censorship blocks practically every piece of new information about this war. If you’ve noticed we’re being exposed to less and less every day.

Thirty-five years ago during the first Iraq war, we were being shown endless footage from Iraq. The smart bombs and the cameras were a novelty back then, but every night we were being shown night footage. Now we are seeing almost no video.

Understand this! This is supposedly the worlds biggest military power having the worlds biggest air capabilities and for 4 days when the US is on the offensive, supposedly and is supposed to be breaking through Iranian defenses we are seeing NO signs of American domination over Iranian skies. Where is all the footage of our planes flying over Tehran or any part of Iran for that matter?

American soldiers can not even dream of setting foot in Iran. And to understand how desperate this war is, that on the 4th day you’re already hearing the craziest suggestions and ideas from the Trump administration. They are suggesting to send military escorts for oil carrying vessels coming out of the Persian gulf. What are you even talking about?! You want to send American ships into the range of thousands of Iranian missiles? NO ONE can pass through the strait of Hormuz right now.

The Iranians have been preparing for this for decades. They’re flaunting this idea of arming Kurdish militias to invade Iran. What the FUCK are you talking about? Have you seen a map of Iran?! It seems like the Trump administration has never seen a map of Iran! Do you know how massive it is? What do you mean invade Iran?! You think a 10,000 man militia can invade Iran?! Or even 50,000?! Or 100,000?! Iran will swallow them.

The US and Israel have already lost this war. The US and Israel can kill millions of civilians in their homes. They have huge bombs and can explode buildings, but they will not win this war. Iranians military infrastructure and weaponry is so far underground ALL OVER IRAN. There is no way for the Americans and definitely not the Israelis to reach any of it. They are FUCKED.

They have started something they have no chance of bringing to an end. When this is over the US will never come back to West Asia. There will be no American presence in the Middle East. I’m telling you this now with certainty.”

-Alon Mizrahi, Israeli journalist and peace activist on Substack

Akbar
Member
Akbar
3 months ago
Reply to  I am a robot

This man knows nothing

Psycho Pete
Guest
Psycho Pete
3 months ago
Reply to  I am a robot

I have been following the situation closely and this is one of the most concise and accurate representations of the situation I have seen. That the Israeli author’s last name is Mizrahi, is also another indicator of his credibility, considering how racist Israeli society is, even to other jews that are deemed to be lesser than the ashkenazi and other groups from the US and Europe.

Psycho Pete
Guest
Psycho Pete
3 months ago
Reply to  Psycho Pete
Wat
Member
Wat
3 months ago
Reply to  Psycho Pete

Mizrahi were always screwed over by the Ashkenazi.

Guesto
Guest
Guesto
3 months ago

Costco regular gas: Feb. 22 $4.79 Mar. 9 $5.39

Landell
Guest
Landell
3 months ago
Reply to  Guesto

Suck it up brave and patriotic Americans.

Martin
Guest
3 months ago

The gas companies will use any damn excuse to raise their gas prices. I think with summer coming just around the corner has more to do with the prices going up than the war in Iran. Iran can rot on the vine as far as I am concerned. The US needs to pull out now and let them fend for themselves. Obama opened the door to them, so who knows how many are already here.

Zach Rotwein
Member
Zach Rotwein
3 months ago

A fuel refinery on the Samoa Peninsula would solve multiple problems Humboldt faces.

Non-fiction
Guest
Non-fiction
3 months ago
Reply to  Zach Rotwein

…and bring many more problems that Humboldt is exceedingly ill-prepared to face.

Zach Rotwein
Member
Zach Rotwein
3 months ago
Reply to  Non-fiction

The risks are considerable but Humboldt’s problems are out of control

Sharpie
Member
3 months ago

If you don’t want to pay the higher gas prices, then don’t. It’s called a boycott. If enough folks stop buying it, prices are guaranteed to fall.
Spend the next few weeks consolidating your trips and nevermind frivolous ones.

Psycho Pete
Guest
Psycho Pete
3 months ago
Reply to  Sharpie

That’s not how boycotts work. For a boycott to work you have to have an alternative or have the ability to completely cut off whatever it is that is being boycotted. What you are talking about is the equivalent of boycotting taking a poop.

Mr. Clark
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  Psycho Pete

You all have bike lanes now. Use them. Every last one of you that voted in these idiots to city council needs to be on a bike. But not the city council or employees.

D'Tucker Jebs
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  Mr. Clark

Riding your bike sounds like a great idea.
Good job, Mr. C!
You were due.

Psycho Pete
Guest
Psycho Pete
3 months ago
Reply to  Mr. Clark

You keep assuming I’m a purple haired democratic freak. Again, you have no clue about the targets you are aiming at. I would never ride a bike, or think for myself.

Actually
Guest
Actually
3 months ago
Reply to  Mr. Clark

lol wow what a dumb take. Why do you hate bikes so much?

Martin
Guest
2 months ago
Reply to  Sharpie

I like your comment Sharpie, but my car does not drive on boycott. Like almost everyone else, I need gas and watching the prices climb to the top of Mount Everest just makes me more angry.

Peggy Van steen
Guest
Peggy Van steen
3 months ago

Gas in Piercy this morning was $5.99 a gallon

GrumpyOldGuy
Member
3 months ago

The above $5 a gallon pricing is pretty much a California thing, due to California prices and “climate policies” driving those prices. I filled up a few days ago for $2.94 a gallon in Georgia. I save about $40 per 20 gallon tankful here, compared to California.

Prices in California are more so driven by Newsom forcing California refineries to shut down, than by what Trump is doing in Iran. Even before the current Iran event, I was still paying at least $2 – $3 per gallon less than California prices.

D'Tucker Jebs
Member
3 months ago

In Germany, $72 will get you unlimited rides on all buses and trains except high-speed rail.
And they have a very efficient bus and rail system.

This high gas prices here are painful because we don’t have other options.
We need to invest more in other options.

pharmstheproblem
Guest
pharmstheproblem
3 months ago
Reply to  D'Tucker Jebs

Love how people bring up tiny countries to compare to the U.S.! Germany is not even as big as California

D'Tucker Jebs
Member
3 months ago

In China (roughly the same size as the US) a monthly pass cost around $22.
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=China

Landell
Guest
Landell
3 months ago

“Germany’s economy is the largest in Europe and the third-largest in the world, with a nominal GDP of approximately $5.01 trillion in 2025. It accounts for about 24.4% of the European Union’s total GDP.”
‘Nuff said.

The Real Guest..
Guest
The Real Guest..
3 months ago
Reply to  D'Tucker Jebs

“Size Difference: You could fit roughly 26–27 Germanies inside the United States.”

-AI-

Size wise, Germany roughly compares with Montana.

Hilda Twinton
Guest
Hilda Twinton
3 months ago

Guess Newscum shouldnt have driven the refineries out of business, huh? California is a lost cause.

farfromputin
Member
3 months ago

Donald’s my name, and cocka doodle do do is my game.

melanopsin
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  farfromputin

Howlin’ Wolf – Little Red Rooster ( Chess )https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vr-DR5HdKw

written by Willie Dixon

Cedar
Guest
Cedar
3 months ago

10 year chart of average CA fuel prices for perspectiv.
Crude oil -30% off the high from yesterday. Wild moves

image
Farce
Guest
Farce
3 months ago

I hope they only go up to $150/barrel! I read in Al Jazeera that prices might go up to $200/barrel. Again- We pay the highest prices in the country right here in Humboldt County. $2/gallon more than most of Oregon…It’s that special California Formulation because I guess we are leading the way to save the world single-handedly? Also our state taxes on gasoline are high- remember Newsom raising them recently to “motivate” us all into electric vehicles? Well…poor people cannot afford an electric vehicle Mr. French Laundry $500 Hairdo Silver SpoonBoy!! And our gas prices are $3/gallon more than most of the country. This gap remains even with the sudden increase in price affecting all the states. I hope this current crisis has people consider why we are paying so much more than everywhere else…Oh-and here’s a bonus- our special CA gas has less punch…Oregon gas gives you more MPG and is better for your engine! Perhaps it’s also time to think about where all our gas taxes are going…If you are angry or concerned then please pay attention! Our CA prices are drastically higher than everywhere else. Why??

Cedar
Guest
Cedar
3 months ago

We’ve paid twice the nat. Avg in CA for the last decade and nobody could acknowledge it because it was left wing caused
imagine all the problems that would actually be acknowledged if CA had a republican governor.

Psycho Pete
Guest
Psycho Pete
3 months ago
Reply to  Cedar

I doubt changing hats and colors of ties is going to make a positive differences. Acknowledges problems caused by an opponent is a pretty weak move. I’d believe acknowledging problems means anything if it was done in a way that was about taking personal responsibility instead of as a means of deflection and distraction. Personal self reflection in itself is good for anyone on earth, one of the best things anyone can do.

How about people give up on two-party politics and shame the hell out of politicians for being weak shameless unsophisticated con artists who are too cowardly to have their own principles and thoughts to stand on and take accountability for their own actions and chart their own course and be honest about their own views that they intend to guide them in their aspirations of holding office. How about we get rid of all the campaign financing systems and have people show up to real debates and do write-ups that can be printed or posted on the internet in order to state what their intentions are. We shouldn’t need all the meaning and circus-like showmanship that goes on in order to be eligible to serve the public.

The two party system is probably one of the greatest disgraces of the American system of government and I see no hope for this nation until that mode of operation is thrown in the garbage and it’s remnants are relegated to the funny papers where they belong (the funny papers being history obviously).

Last edited 3 months ago
Mr. Clark
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  Psycho Pete

We can try. Let just see what happens. What have you got to lose? ……will one thing is your freedom to drive where you want.

Festus Haggins
Member
Festus Haggins
3 months ago

Am I the only one that remembers that during Trumps first term in office in 2020 , when oil prices crashed to around $24 barrel, Trump pushed hard to buy up 80 million barrels to top off our strategic reserves while it was for sale on the cheap ???? The D[edit]crates had a freaking cow over it saying it was a BIG OIL bailout.

Last edited 3 months ago
melanopsin
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  Festus Haggins

Last time I heard “Dumbocrates” and “Repooplicans” was in 5th grade, in 1964

Last edited 3 months ago
I4L4
Guest
I4L4
3 months ago

This is what happens when you goto wars without declaration and or congressional approval. We have 2 of the most oil rich nations in the world under our military might right now. However, we can’t pillage without a declaration, real wars are paid for by pillaging not by the dang citizens of the aggressor.

Mr. Clark
Member
3 months ago
Reply to  I4L4

The military industrial complex and big oil have an understanding……..

Psycho Pete
Guest
Psycho Pete
3 months ago
Reply to  Mr. Clark

What kind of democratic nonsense is that you are speaking of Mr. Clark?

Speaking ill of the military industrial complex and big oil is about as unpatriotic, democratic, terrorist-like a person can get. Are you feeling okay. Blink twice if you are unable to speak by means of your own free will.

If you are serious, and have really come over to the dark side, arrangements can be made to send you an orientation package that includes a nose ring, bright colored hair dye, bumper stickers signaling your newfound love of veganism to put on your Subaru, and a pack of ten black polyester face masks styled like health industry ones.

descompuesto
Member
descompuesto
3 months ago

Please folks remember that the US is a net exporter of oil. So any increases in price at the pump have nothing to do with what is going on in Iran, it is simply an opportunity for oil companies to screw the consumer again. The US is oil self-sufficient, but the monopolies that control the flow of oil that we’ve all become addicted to can decide the prices.

For those of you that believed the politicians of both parties who chose to subsidize oil companies (again) in order to increase production at home to “keep prices low” and “no more wars for oil,” well, sorry, you were duped. Venezuela, check. Iran, check again.

For those of you looking for a conspiracy to believe in, look no further than all us ordinary folks bickering amongst ourselves instead of teaming up to fight the real bad guys in the oil industry.

Last edited 3 months ago
The Real Guest..
Guest
The Real Guest..
3 months ago

Anyone that thinks that this conflict with Iran would not have happened if Harris had been elected president instead of Trump, is simply out of their gourd…

Martin
Guest
2 months ago

Pain at the pump should read “pain in your wallet.” I am beginning to wonder how high these prices will go, but I think clear through summer.

Mr Wipple
Guest
Mr Wipple
2 months ago

The price of gas hasn’t gone up – I put the same $40 in every time I get gas 🙂

Martin
Guest
2 months ago
Reply to  Mr Wipple

Mr Wipple, your idea of putting the same $40 in every time you get gas is great. What are you going to do when the gas prices reach $40 as an example. Are you just going to buy 1 gallon. That should give you enough gas to reach the last station before leaving town.

John S
Member
John S
2 months ago

The fuel problems in California started LONG before Trump was in office and only continues to get worst. Thanks to Newscum and his cronies over regulating everything from fuel to building houses. https://californiaglobe.com/fl/why-california-has-an-oil-and-gas-crisis-and-chinas-involvement/