Where in California can you buy fuel for $2.69 a gallon?
There are gas stations with some of the cheapest fuel prices, currently at $2.69 per gallon. Recently, I discovered that in Orange County, you can fill up your car for just over two dollars and a few cents per gallon.
RUSSIAN CALIFORNIA — For those living on the West Coast, this is comparable to the lowest gas prices typically seen in the central states of America. Californians are accustomed to high fuel costs, with the average price for gasoline in 2024 hovering around $4.50 and in some areas reaching $8.
For example, I filled up in Ridgecrest for $3.75, which is considered a decent price for this state.
Local authorities and the governor have already expressed intentions to reduce gasoline prices or at least maintain them at their current level through the end of the year. This is certainly encouraging news, and many are hopeful that these measures will lead to positive outcomes.
In the U.S., drivers commonly choose between three main types of gasoline: Regular, Plus, and Premium. However, California also offers a unique fuel option—E-85 Ethanol. This mixture consists of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. While E-85 is not as widely available and is not sold at every gas station, it can be found in Orange County for around $2.69 per gallon when paying in cash.
At the G&M station, the price was $2.69, but it increased to $2.79 when paying with a card. While I don’t necessarily recommend this fuel, it could be an interesting option for Californians looking to save money at the pump.
The production of ethanol involves several steps: first, crops like corn and sugarcane are harvested and ground, then mixed with water, and enzymes are added followed by yeast for fermentation, resulting in a mixture known as «beer.» The ethanol produced is then distilled to increase its concentration and mixed with gasoline to create E-85.
The benefits of using E-85 include a higher octane rating of 105, which translates to improved performance and cleaner combustion, positively impacting the environment. Additionally, this fuel can provide better engine protection as it cools the engine more effectively.
However, there are drawbacks to consider. E-85 is generally less efficient than regular gasoline, and you may need up to 40% more fuel to achieve the same results. It can also lead to faster oil contamination, necessitating more frequent oil changes.
E-85 fuel is standard for Flex-Fuel vehicles and is widely used in the U.S. and Brazil. It is typically cheaper than regular gasoline due to its lower energy density. The ethanol used in E-85 is derived from plant materials, which helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
This fuel is also popular in Sweden and the Midwest, particularly in the racing industry, where it allows for higher compression ratios without the risk of detonation. However, ethanol does have its downsides: it attracts water and is not suitable for mixed lubrication.
The development of standards for bioethanol E-85 in Europe has been delayed, with the original implementation date set for 2009 being postponed.
Many online resources, such as e85prices.com, provide information about gas stations offering E-85 across the country.
In conclusion, finding affordable fuel in California is undeniably a stroke of luck.
However, drivers should carefully consider all available options and their impact on their engines to make informed decisions when refueling.
Vitaly Ataev-Troshin
