Remote Surveillance Trailer in El Centro, CA

Anyone who drives a car understands the sting of having to fill up their tank and pulling into the gas station, only to discover that gas prices have skyrocketed. Paying extra for gas means you have less to spend on other things, which, over time, can really put a crimp in your budget.

Cheap Insurance explored some of the reasons behind major changes in gas prices, and compiled a list of the cheapest gas stations in El Centro using data from Gas Buddy.

Gas prices fluctuate based on several factors, including the cost of the key ingredient, crude oil, as well as the available supply and demand for gasoline. If the price of oil rises, a major refinery goes offline, or more drivers are hitting the road, for example, then the cost will increase.

In the first half of 2022, a unique confluence of events led to a surge in gas prices. The increased demand stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and a slowdown in oil production all contributed to a national all-time high of $4.93 per gallon on average in June 2022.

Seasons also affect gas prices. Demand tends to drop in winter, but the cost also falls because gas stations switch to a different blend of gasoline that's optimal for lower temperatures—and has cheaper ingredients.

Location also matters. The South and Midwest tend to have the lowest gas prices, while the West, including Hawai'i, has the highest. Californians, in particular, pay more for gas on average than any other state. That's because of its high state excise taxes; its isolation from the country's major pipelines, which causes supply issues; and its requirements that mandate a more environmentally friendly blend of gas that costs more to produce and adds to the price per gallon.

No matter where you live, read on to see if you can get a deal on gas near you.

#1. Seeley Market- Address: 1805 W Evan Hewes Hwy, Seeley, CA- Price: $4.09

#2. Chevron- Address: 832 W Birch St, Calexico, CA- Price: $4.39

#3. Red Earth Casino- Address: 3089 Norm Niver Rd, Salton Sea Beach, CA- Price: $4.55

#4. 76- Address: 1691 E Main St, Brawley, CA- Price: $4.65

#5. North Star Truck Stop- Address: 550 Wake Ave, El Centro, CA- Price: $4.69

#6. ARCO- Address: 680 W 2nd St, Calexico, CA- Price: $4.73

#7. Food Mart- Address: 724 Emerson Ave, Calexico, CA- Price: $4.74

#8. Pilot- Address: 234 Ben Hulse Hwy., Brawley, CA- Price: $4.75

#8. Love's Travel Stop (tie)- Address: 551 West Main Street, Westmorland, CA- Price: $4.75

#8. ARCO (tie)- Address: 1105 Yourman Rd, Heber, CA- Price: $4.75

The first two air shows on the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ 2026 season have been canceled. This comes as military installations implement heightened security measures in connection with the ongoing military operations against Iran that began over the weekend.

Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, and Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, announced this week that their first two air shows will not take place, citing increased force protection requirements. The El Centro Festival of Flight was scheduled for March 14, followed by the NAS Lemoore Air Show on March 21–22. According to reporting from the Pensacola News Journal, military installations have moved to Force Protection Condition Bravo, a protocal for situations when there exists a heightened threat of terrorist activity.

At El Centro, officials said the cancellation followed a review of security considerations associated with the event.

“My team and I are disappointed that we have to cancel the air show but the safety of people and equipment are the priority,” said Capt. Ryan “Mouth” Carstens, commanding officer of NAF El Centro.

Public Affairs Officer Kristopher Haugh added that the decision followed planning efforts involving performers, partners and volunteers but that “in light of heightened security considerations, cancellation is necessary to ensure the safety of our personnel, performers, and the public.”

Refunds for premium seating purchases are being processed, according to Fleet and Family Readiness Program Director Ray Robinson.

The cancellations remove the first two scheduled public appearances of the Blue Angels for the 2026 season, for the time being shifting the team’s soonest air show to later in March for the NAS Meridian Air Show from the 28th to the 29th.

This season’s disruptions follow an early end to the demonstration team’s schedule in 2025, when the Blue Angels’ season concluded ahead of schedule when the NAS Pensacola Homecoming Air Show was canceled during a federal government shutdown.