Gas is an expensive commodity in the city of Los Angeles, but patrons of one Downtown station can expect to pay as much as a dollar more per gallon. This is, from what we can tell, the most expensive gas station in Los Angeles.
The price of gas in Los Angeles tends to be higher than most other places in the country. Even within the boundaries of the city, the price of fuel can vary wildly. As of this writing, a gallon of gas will set a motorist back anywhere from $4.25 to $4.95 depending on where you choose to fill up. (Note: These were the prices in September 2021. As of May 2022, that average is between $5.80 and $6.20).
But the Chevron station at the corner of Alameda and Cesar Chavez charges a phenomenal $5.95 $8.05.
Update: As of May 30, 2022, the station was selling a gallon of gasoline for $8.05.

Update: As of May 9, 2022, the station was selling a gallon of gasoline for $7.53.
Update: As of March 16, 2022, the station was selling a gallon of gasoline for $7.31.
Update: As of March 7, 2022, the station was selling a gallon of gasoline for $6.95.
Update: As of February 3, 2022 the station was selling a gallon of gasoline for $6.11.
Update: As of December 1, 2021 the station was selling a gallon of gasoline for $6.05.
The Gas is Too Damn High!
There doesn’t seem to be any good reason for the exorbitant price. This location isn’t particularly convenient to freeways or any attractions except for Olvera Street and Union Station. Its proximity to these spots could warrant a small price bump perhaps, but nothing so large.

It’s not in a secluded part of town. Rather, it’s pretty centrally located. There’s not a gross lack of competing stations. Should a driver find themselves in a desperate need for fuel, they can quickly find other, less expensive stations less than a mile in any direction.
I’ve never personally stopped in here myself (nor should you), but by some accounts, the service at this station is pretty sub-standard. Conversely, the place boasts a fair amount of 5-star reviews (a fact which has resulted in numerous accusations of review-buying), but I remain skeptical. Even the famous boomerang-roofed, full-service 76 station in Beverly Hills doesn’t charge this much.
Also consider there’s no restroom and it charges to use the air- and water-filling machine. According to some online reviews, even the candy bars are expensive at this place — like $4 each expensive.
I once drove through Amboy, California — a tiny town in the Mojave Desert on Route 66. It’s the literal definition of the middle of nowhere. Gas at the only pump in Amboy — the only pump for 20 miles, mind you — was still cheaper than at this station in downtown Los Angeles.
I have a hard time comprehending how this place remains in business. In an age when anyone can perform a quick search for a more affordable gas stations nearby, who’s paying this much for gas?
There’s really no reason to stop at this place.
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Keep readingThe Other Expensive Gas Station
There’s another expensive station in town. It’s not quite as pricey as the Chevron above, but the Shell station on Fairfax Ave, on a traffic island between San Vicente and Olympic that’s currently slinging gas for $5.79 a gallon. [Note: That was in September 2021. We don’t get out to this intersection that often, but it’s certainly higher now.]

Like our friends above, there are other reasonably priced stations nearby, so there’s no reason for gas this expensive. But people here are a little more savvy — the station is currently rocking a 2-star rating on Google. In short, there’s no reason to buy your gas here, either.
When Gas Was Cheap (and Reliable)
By contrast, gasoline prices 80 years ago at this Reliable station in South Central at Alameda & Vernon were a mere 12 1/2 cents a gallon.

The Most Expensive Gas Station in Los Angeles
- 901 Alameda St, Downtown Los Angeles
- GPS Coordinates: 34.058356, -118.237144 [ Google Maps ]
- what3words: ///among.ally.prime
- Keep track of best and worst gas prices in Los Angeles with GasBuddy’s Los Angeles Gas Prices
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