If you think gas prices are high where you are, try living in Gorda-by-the-Sea, a small coastal town in California.
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Located along the Pacific Coast Highway in the Big Sur area of the state, the Gorda-by-the-Sea Mini Mart sells a gallon of gasoline for $9.99, according to the New York Post.
"Over there in LA, we're at about, like, $6 max, which is something that hits everyone like crazy," shared Gustavo Fraga. "But here it's $10. I've never seen that, ever."
Interestingly, the high prices in Gorda-by-the-Sea could be even steeper, if not for one bizarre reason.
Why Are Gas Prices So High at This Station?
People have plenty of explanations for the increasing price of gas. Some blame the conflict in Iran for the sharp rise in prices. Others are accusing oil companies of price gouging. However, at this station, the situation is a bit different.
Leo Flores, the owner of the Gorda-by-the-Sea Mini Mart, says he isn't gouging drivers with the station's astronomical prices. In fact, the station would probably have the highest gas prices in the country, regardless of global events like those in Iran.
"We run the place on generators. We don't have power," Flores said. "We create our own power here."
Getting fuel to the remote gas station is another challenge. It comes from Fresno, which is over 100 miles away from Gorda-by-the-Sea.
And if you've ever traveled through Big Sur, you know how treacherous driving along the PCH is in that area in a car. Imagine doing it with a giant fuel tanker.
Gas Prices Could Probably Be Higher At the Station
The irony is that Flores could probably charge even more at the isolated gas station. However, the station's system won't allow him to go higher than $9.99.
Yet not stopping at the station can be a bigger risk. The hills and turns in Big Sur can drain the tank of even the most fuel-efficient vehicle. Since there are stops for miles, drivers often fill their cars just enough to make it to the next station.
Said one driver, "They probably could charge $20, and if you have to get gas, you have to get gas."
