There is more woe for Californian motorists as gas prices have surged to record highs – and the pain is expected to get worse before it gets better.
The price of a gallon of gas in Los Angeles has soared to $6.49, and a gigantic increase of $1.15 over last month, blamed on the ongoing war in Ukraine, high taxes, green policies and refinery shutdowns.
Across the state, the average price sits at $6.18, with gas most expensive in Mono County on the border with Nevada, where drivers have to fork out $7.29 a gallon – nearly double the national average of $3.87.
The horror prices are specific to California and the west coast in part due to shutdowns and maintenance-related stoppages at five oil refineries.
They produce a special green-friendly gas aimed at reducing air pollution required by state law, meaning the state cannot bring in gas from its neighbors which does not meet these regulations.
‘We’re operating now in a … tight market,’ said Shon Hiatt, an associate professor of business at USC focused on the energy industry. ‘So if one refinery goes off to do maintenance, the prices are going to jump, because we don’t have much slack.’
It underscores the fragility of California’s energy markets as it makes a bold play to transition to a greener economy, with the goal of phasing out gas vehicles by 2035.
Governor Gavin Newsom called on the state’s lawmakers to jump-start the sale of a cheaper winter blend gasoline a month ahead of schedule to help out beleaguered motorists.
AC