LA Drivers Get Creative as Gas Prices Soar

Musicians, small businesses, and commuters adapt to skyrocketing fuel costs in the car-centric city.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:59pm

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An abstract, colorful image of a vehicle in motion, with blurred lines and shapes conveying a sense of speed and energy in the face of rising fuel costs.As gas prices soar, LA drivers find new ways to navigate the city's car-centric landscape with creativity and resilience.Los Angeles Today

The soaring gas prices in Los Angeles have become a real-life experiment, testing the city's famous love affair with cars. From musicians carpooling to gigs to small business owners absorbing increased costs, Angelenos are finding innovative ways to adapt and survive the volatile market.

Why it matters

The gas price surge in LA raises important questions about the city's reliance on cars and the impact of global events on local economies. It's a reminder of the interconnectedness between geopolitics and everyday life, and how a community's resilience and spirit of innovation can help it weather challenging circumstances.

The details

With gas prices averaging nearly $6 per gallon and some stations charging $8, LA residents like musician and deli worker Jack Nooney are employing strategies like strategic coasting and careful price scouting to save on fuel. Music managers like Chris Hardin are opting for motorcycles when possible. Small business owners like Jenise Blanc of Canyon Car Service are struggling to absorb the increased costs to maintain their reputations and customer loyalty.

  • Gas prices in LA have been soaring since the start of 2026.

The players

Jack Nooney

A musician and deli worker in Los Angeles who has had to adapt his commuting habits due to skyrocketing gas prices.

Chris Hardin

A music manager in Los Angeles who has seen his clients' budgets strained by the Iran war, leading him to opt for his motorcycle when possible to save on fuel costs.

Jenise Blanc

The co-owner of Canyon Car Service in Los Angeles, who is facing the challenge of absorbing increased fuel costs to maintain her business's reputation and customer loyalty.

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What they’re saying

“Every mile counts with these gas prices.”

— Jack Nooney, Musician and Deli Worker

“I enjoy the fuel savings and the thrill of the ride on my motorcycle.”

— Chris Hardin, Music Manager

“We've had to absorb the increased costs to maintain our reputation and customer loyalty.”

— Jenise Blanc, Co-Owner, Canyon Car Service

What’s next

Experts predict that gas prices in Los Angeles may continue to fluctuate in the coming months, depending on the outcome of the Iran conflict and other global factors. City officials are exploring potential solutions, such as expanding public transportation options and incentivizing the use of electric vehicles.

The takeaway

The gas price surge in Los Angeles has highlighted the city's reliance on cars and the need for more sustainable transportation solutions. However, the resilience and innovative spirit of Angelenos have shone through, as they find creative ways to adapt and survive the challenging circumstances.