Median income in SF is 105k, and not far behind in the vicinity, so even with the atrocious taxes gas is pretty affordable (housing...not so much). Most people also don't drive long distances, and if they do it's to save money on rent/mortgage. Is premium gas really only 2 bucks there?

A few years ago there was a fire at the big refinery in Socal, which sent gas above $5/gal. I think the most expensive fill up I had was 4.65 for regular, which did make me want to cry a little.

Shell 87: 2.30ish
Shell 93: 3.03 today

I've got nothing to add; I just wanted to be able to say that I've quoted @DrButtDrugs

Anybody else remember the near riots when gas went for .30 a gallon to .70 a gallon almost overnight in '73?

^^ Yes

The spread from regular to premium ranges from $.40/gal > $1/gal here with 93 running between $2.79<>$3.19. I've been paying approximately $2.79 for the last few weeks but got it for $2.30 in Massachusetts recently.

Yes I remember as after waiting in line at the Hess station then a week later before I needed more gas my 69 Nova started acting up. Had to rebuild the carb on my kitchen table and add a humongus gas filter before the bronzite one in the carb.Did I mention I got about a teaspoon of gritty crap out of the float bowl. It was December and cold and I had no garage and rung my knuckle when the wrench slipped.