Chinatown Chevron Charges $8.31 Per Gallon Amid Rising Gas Prices

A Chevron station in Los Angeles' Chinatown is charging nearly $5 more per gallon than the national average as gas prices surge across the U.S.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gas prices across the United States have risen sharply due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, with the national average reaching $3.71 per gallon as of March 16. However, a Chevron gas station in Los Angeles' Chinatown neighborhood has bucked the trend, charging an eye-watering $8.31 per gallon - nearly $5 more than the national average and $3 above the already inflated California gas prices.

Why it matters

The extreme price hike at this Chinatown Chevron station highlights the volatility of the current gas market, with businesses able to substantially raise prices without it necessarily being considered price gouging. While the station's location may be a factor, the drastic difference in prices compared to nearby stations raises questions about the station's pricing strategy and the impact on local consumers.

The details

According to an attendant at the Chevron station, the high prices are due to the station's downtown location. However, when asked why nearby stations were charging much less, the attendant did not provide a clear explanation. The LA county department of consumer and business affairs spokesperson noted that businesses can charge high prices or raise them substantially, and it is likely not considered price gouging unless the increases are due to a declared emergency.

  • Gas prices across the U.S. have risen sharply as of March 16, 2026.
  • The Chevron station in Los Angeles' Chinatown had gas prices of $8.31 per gallon as of March 15, 2026.

The players

Chevron

An American multinational energy corporation that is one of the largest oil companies in the world.

Kevin Chaves

The LA county department of consumer and business affairs spokesperson.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This case highlights the lack of regulation around extreme price hikes by businesses, even in the absence of a declared emergency. It raises questions about the impact on local consumers and the need for greater oversight to ensure fair and transparent pricing practices, especially in times of market volatility.