Locals Budget for Rising Gas Prices to Ease Financial Hit During Iran War
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - If you are worried about the big jump in your monthly gas bill with the recent war-related spike in prices, there are ways you can avoid paying more than you need to.
Some of the prices in Santa Barbara County quickly joined the pattern nationwide in the last ten days with an increase of about 50 cents a gallon. It varies widely. That's where consumers can still control the pain at the pumps.
The recent increase is connected to the price per barrel of oil which has gone up to, in some cases $120/a barrel, but also dropping back down to $90/a barrel.
That is still higher than where it was been in recent years, including June of 2025 when a barrel was about $62.
One prediction by Goldman Sachs said oil prices could exceed $100/a barrel if there is an “extended disruption” to the Middle East and that is happening now.
To offset the costs, consumers can pay cash, which lowers the price generally by about 10 cents/a gallon. Credit cards usually have an extra charge and that is why there are two rows of prices at the pumps.
You can also change the station you are most familiar with if you are paying more than you want. Some stations still have top tier quality gas, but do not have a nationwide or more "well known" name.
In some cases within less than a mile in Goleta, prices are about a $1.00 difference.
Ben Lyons was filling up his truck at the Fuel Depot on Storke Rd. for one of the cheaper prices in the area despite the increases. He has been in and out of California recently. "Last time I was in Oregon, we're looking at 2 to 2.99 per gallon. And we're looking at $3 more (here)." He also uses his phone to locate the lowest prices. "I got a little app to look for the cheapest gas prices. GasBuddy. "
Declan Connors recently realized the impact of the current price surge. "This is my first time filling up in, I think two weeks.And I looked at the prices today, I was shocked. I mean, it's up, I think $0.40 my memory serves and yeah, that's that's not too fun to me."
Some drivers said they may not have the same Spring break plan coming up as they once considered because of the cost of fuel.
Alexnder Zbinden is looking at the longer range impacts. "Best case scenario, war ends tomorrow and gas prices will still be inflated for a minimum of six weeks. Best thing you can do, maybe buy a little extra right now before prices really spike."
Other ways to save at the pumps include an app from the station brand that may come with a discount per gallon. Some grocery stores also offer gas price discounts as part of a savings option.
Airline travelers are also watching prices and the possible change based on aviation fuel costs.
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