As a general rule, prices go down very slowly.  It sounds fishy, but it's a result of capitalism in a healthy market. Oil and its refined products are usually sold on a contract. Sellers (either to end customers or middle men in the chain) need to chew through those cost layers of purchased product before you see the price go down.  In an unhealthy market, when shit hits the fan, the supply chain sellers will cry uncle and drop the prices to keep the product flowing.  Im not sure if we're there yet, but we're damn close.  If the only people buying GoGo juice is the military, we might get there.  When you see gas in Cali drop below $2, that should be a good indicator. and I know the inverse of this, the price goes up very fast. Simple rules of supply and demand.  If the market can bear the increase and oil goes up in price - sellers down the supply chain will increase their prices in anticipation of cost increase in future contracts. Also, something else to consider. Gasoline taxes in Cali (approx $0.60/gal) are the worst in the Union.  You have higher fuel taxes than Hawaii ($0.48/gal).  Alaska's taxes are around $0.15/gal and according to fuel buddy, they're paying $1.85 in Anchorage.  Im in NY, and my fuel taxes are pretty high too (about $0.45/gal).  Im currently seeing unleaded sell for about $2.09/gal