March 27th, 2026

Gas prices across California have surged well past $5.50 per gallon statewide, more than $1.70 above the national average. Drivers throughout San Diego and the rest of the state are feeling it at every fill-up. News outlets statewide have been covering the rise of gas prices and the affordability of E85 – the lower cost option at the pump. 

E85 flex fuel is available at more than 600 gas stations across California and is consistently priced $1.50 to $2.00 less per gallon than regular gasoline. Rising fuel prices are putting a spotlight on even larger savings E85 can deliver, with local news outlets taking notice across the state.

Bakersfield drivers take note of savings 

23ABC / KERO Bakersfield — Rising gas prices causing some Bakersfield drivers to switch to lower-grade fuel

A recent report from 23ABC in Bakersfield reported on prices at some stations updating sometimes twice a day. Premium fuel sales are dropping and E85 sales are rising as drivers look for ways to reduce what they’re spending at the pump. 

Station manager Amit Cheema told 23ABC: “Since the gas prices have gone up within the last two weeks, we have noticed more people switching [to E85]. We are selling more of that than before.”

For the more than one million FFV owners on California roads, many who may not know they have one, the savings are real and available right now. Head to the Pearson Fuels App to check your vehicle’s flex fuel compatibility.

Up to $2.50 less per gallon and staying

CBS Sacramento — California lawmaker proposes expanding E85 fuel access as gas prices surge

The price gap between E85 and regular gasoline remains consistent, with E85 “typically up to $2.50 cheaper per gallon than regular gasoline,” according to CBS Sacramento. This advantage becomes even more noticeable when global events drive up gas prices in California. As California Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom noted, “what we’re seeing right now is just how quickly global events” can impact prices at the pump.

E85 is made primarily from domestically grown corn, not imported oil, so it doesn’t experience the same price volatility as gasoline. While currently only flex fuel drivers can utilize E85 savings, Assm. Ransom is “introducing a bill that would allow people to use aftermarket fuel modifications” like E85 conversion kits. 

What about non flex fuel drivers? 

KMPH / FOX26 Fresno — California bill would let drivers install conversion kits to use cheaper flex fuel

FOX26 Fresno reported on E85 conversion kits: aftermarket installations that allow many non-flex fuel vehicles to run on E85. The kits make no permanent changes to the vehicle, and are compatible with an estimated 80–90% of vehicles. California is currently introducing a bill to streamline the approval process for these kits, which would open E85 savings up to a much larger pool of drivers.

As Asm. Ransom put it: “If you’re saving a dollar or more per gallon each time you go to the tank, that’s a pretty good one-time investment.” 

The future for California drivers

Whether you already own a flex fuel vehicle or are exploring your options, E85 is one of the most accessible and affordable fuels available at the pump. Pearson Fuels operates over 450 E85 stations statewide and is continuously expanding, offering more options for drivers – regardless of global markets.Check if your vehicle is compatible and find your nearest E85 station at pearsonfuels.com, or download the Pearson Fuels App.