Pumping gas in California is getting pricier
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Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
California drivers are feeling the pain at the pump even more than usual this summer – and holiday travel could make gas even more expensive.
Why it matters: California has the highest state excise tax on gasoline in the country, and the highest price of gas.
Zoom in: The average cost of regular gas is $4.79 per gallon in California, and $4.83 in San Diego County, as of July 3, according to AAA.
- That's compared to $3.51 nationally.
Driving the news: Adding to those prices is California's state excise tax that jumped by about 2 cents per gallon this week to 59.6 cents.
- That's on top of a 2.25% sales tax rate and the federal fuel tax of 18.4 cents per gallon.
Flashback: The state's rate has increased every summer since 2019, including last year by 4 cents per gallon due to inflation.
Between the lines: The increases have deepened tensions between California's petroleum industry and state policymakers who blame each other for the high prices, per the Union-Tribune.
By the numbers: Californians pay about $300 a year on average at the pump in state gas taxes, according to CalTrans.
- The excise tax pays for 80% of highway and road repairs.
- At $2.2 billion, motor fuel made up 3.5% of the state's total tax revenue in the first quarter of 2024.
