Gas prices Southern California: Travel expert explains several ways drivers can save money when filling up

March 13, 2026

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Gas prices Southern California: Travel expert explains several ways drivers can save money when filling up

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KABC) — Gas prices in Southern California continue to climb as the conflict in Iran intensifies with no end in sight.

In Riverside County, gas prices rose 6 cents per gallon overnight – they’re up 46 cents per gallon compared with last week, and are up 88 cents per gallon compared with last month.

“The community is being affected,” said Tom Fitzgerald, who was traveling to Las Vegas with family for his 50th birthday. “Prices are really high, so it’s a shame.”

But travel experts say there are ways to help save between 10 and 50 cents per gallon, not only by using apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas in the area but also by using various credit cards and rewards programs.

“Everyone is thinking about how they can save,” said Eric Rosen, the director of travel content for The Points Guy. “For instance, I logged into my Citi account the other day and found an offer for 4% back at Shell gas stations.”

For example, that means if you’re paying $6 for a gallon of gasoline, you can save nearly 25 cents per gallon just by taking advantage of that offer.

“Just make sure you’re using a credit card that offers multiple points per dollar, or several percentage points of cash back per dollar on your gas purchases,” said Rosen.

Another way to save is to buy gasoline at stations with deals with local supermarkets.

For example, people who shop at Vons can redeem rewards at Chevron gas stations.

“If that’s a grocery chain where you shop, and it’s a line of gas stations where you tend to buy your gas, you can be in line for savings,” said Rosen. “According to the program (at Vons) for every 100 points, you earn by shopping at Vons and Pavilions, you receive a 10 cent per gallon gas reward.”

For example, by purchasing $300 of eligible groceries at Vons can earn you an extra 30 cents per gallon off when filling up at Chevron.

Rosen also said to take advantage of big discounts offered on gasoline at membership stores like Costco or Sam’s Club.

“You can see savings that are 10, 20, even 50 cents off per gallon, based on what you’ll find just sort of regular retail with no rewards applied whatsoever.”