Why California gas prices are drawing ‘I am legend’ movie comparisons

California’s rising gas prices are prompting analogies to the movie I Am Legend. The unusual price levels have sparked discussion online as drivers experience rising costs at the pump. 

On Friday, the statewide average for regular gasoline stood at $6.11 per gallon, up 19 cents in a week and $1.40 higher than last year which is significantly higher than the national $4.47 average.

While photos from stations like 76 and Mobil show prices reflecting the movie's fictional rates fueling online jokes like it is almost, we are living in a simulation, they are coupled with anxieties among residents grappling with high commuting expenses.

Officials have criticized crude oil rising near $100 per barrel due to Middle East tensions, import reliance and higher taxes with prices at some Bay Area stations surpassing $6.30.

On social platform X, users have been sharing distinct reactions with one writing, “ California leads the league in gas prices, shit on the streets, fraud and homelessness and want to preach to the rest of the country on how it should be run.”

Second added, “ How much of this goes to taxes… suspend them until gas prices stabilize.”

The average price for a gallon of gas in California raised 19 cents in the past week to $6.08. In San Francisco, the average gallon costs $6.23; though the national average is up more than $1 gallon compared to a year ago.