Fact check: When was the price of gas in California below $5.00

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, California gas prices have fluctuated around the $5.00 threshold in recent years. The most recent data shows gas prices were below $5.00 as of late 2024, with prices reaching as low as $4.09 on December 23, 2024 ^[1] and current averages around $4.49 per gallon ^{[2] [3]}.

Key timeline of when California gas was below $5.00:

• November 2023: California pump prices fell below $5.00 for the first time since July 2023, averaging $4.98 per gallon as of November 20, 2023 ^[4]
• November 2023: Los Angeles County specifically dropped under $5.00 to $4.983 on November 28, 2023, marking the first time since July 25, 2023 ^[5]
• December 2024: Prices reached as low as $4.09 ^[1]
• Current period: Average prices remain below $5.00 at approximately $4.49 per gallon ^{[2] [3]}

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about California's position as having the highest gas prices nationally ^[3], which makes the $5.00 threshold particularly significant for the state. The analyses reveal that California's gas prices have experienced significant volatility, with prices previously reaching over $6.00 in October 2023 ^[6].

Missing historical context includes:

• The March 2022 milestone when L.A.-Long Beach area first reached $5.01 per gallon, while the statewide average remained at $4.94 ^[7]
• The cyclical nature of California's gas price fluctuations around the $5.00 mark
• Regulatory and policy factors that may influence California's consistently higher gas prices compared to other states

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral and factual in nature, seeking specific timing information rather than making claims. However, the question's framing could potentially be used to support political narratives about California's energy policies or economic conditions.

Potential areas of concern:

• The question may be seeking ammunition for political arguments about California's regulatory environment or leadership effectiveness
• Without proper context, the answer could be misused to suggest California's gas prices are consistently problematic compared to national averages
• The question doesn't acknowledge that gas price fluctuations are influenced by multiple factors including global oil markets, refinery capacity, and seasonal demand patterns

The analyses suggest that while the factual answer can be provided, the broader context of California's energy market dynamics and national price comparisons would be essential for a complete understanding of the state's gas pricing situation.