GORDA, CA — For drivers winding down the scenic cliffs of Highway 1, the sight of the Gorda by the Sea gas station is usually a relief. That is, until they see the price display.
At this remote outpost—the only fuel stop for miles—a gallon of regular gas currently sits at $9.99. It isn’t a marketing gimmick, and according to owner Leo Flores, it isn’t price gouging either. It’s simply the mechanical limit of his equipment.
“The software only goes to $10,” Flores told The Times. “I know sometimes someone wants to make a good story because of it, but we have to tell you why.”
A Town Run on Generators
While the national average hovers around $4.09 and California averages $5.86, Flores says his overhead is unlike any traditional station. Gorda is entirely “off the grid.” There is no access to an outside electrical plant, meaning the entire hamlet—including the mini-market, cafe, hotel, and cabins—runs 24/7 on gas-powered generators.
“The generators run on five to six gallons of gasoline every hour,” Flores explained. “It costs me more to make my own electricity.”
For Flores, who has owned the station for 30 years, the high price at the pump is a matter of survival rather than profit. He noted that he has looked into solar power, but the upfront costs are currently prohibitive.
Global Tension, Local Impact
The surge comes as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has constricted global oil flows, sending ripples through the American economy. While LA County residents are frustrated with $6.00 averages, the isolation of Big Sur multiplies those costs.
Flores’ business is also at the mercy of Highway 1 itself. Between 2023 and early 2026, massive landslides shut down the highway for three years. During that time, Flores survived on just 10% to 20% of his usual business, struggling even to get the fuel deliveries needed to keep his generators humming.
“If the highway is closed in both directions, I’m screwed,” he said.
By the Numbers: Gas Prices as of Friday
| Location | Average Price per Gallon |
| National Average | $4.09 |
| California State | $5.86 |
| Los Angeles County | $6.00 |
| Gorda by the Sea | $9.99 |
The “Bad Guy” Narrative
Flores expressed frustration that his business only makes headlines when prices are high, rather than when the community is struggling to stay afloat during road closures.
“Why when the highway opens and I raise the price everyone points at me like I’m the bad guy?” he asked.
For now, the price will stay at $9.99—partly because of the economy, and partly because the digital pumps simply can’t count any higher. To raise it further, Flores would need to invest in brand-new pumps, an expense he says he can’t afford in the current climate.
