Californians now paying $6 a gallon for kicks on Route 66

May 1, 2026, 2:30 p.m. ETIran conflict disrupts global oil flows, tightening California supply and raising pricesReliance on Asian imports and refinery closures worsen California's fuel shortagesRising gas prices spark political debate ahead of state and national electionsCalifornia fuel stockpiles hit record lows, imports dropped sharply in April, Kpler data showsCARLSBAD, California, April 30 (Reuters) — Motorists commemorating the centennial of U.S. Route 66 — a celebrated symbol of carefree road trips — were paying $6 a gallon for gasoline in California on Thursday, the highest price in two years and a brewing political flashpoint as elections loom.The Iran war has brought the worst-ever disruption to global oil supplies, driving up gasoline prices worldwide and posing particular hardships for California, the most populous U.S. state with the most cars on the road.The Golden State also has some of the highest gasoline prices in the country because of stringent emissions standards, high taxes and its reliance on imported petroleum.With California's gubernatorial primary barely one month away, candidates sparred at a debate this week over whether to eliminate the state's $0.61-per-gallon gas tax, the highest in the nation.At the national level, high gas prices look certain to become a major political issue