News Summary
Gas prices in California are on the rise due to increasing demand and upcoming tax hikes. The average price of gasoline has climbed slightly in Los Angeles County, while also showing a mixed trend compared to last year. Experts warn that recent tax increases and environmental regulations may push prices even higher, prompting many residents to consider alternative options for transportation.
Gas Prices Expected to Climb in California: What You Need to Know
As the summer heat rolls in, it seems that gas prices in sunny Los Angeles County are beginning to rise, and it may not just be because of the soaring temperatures! The average price of self-serve regular gasoline has ticked up by half a cent to reach 4.471 dollars per gallon. This small bump marks the largest increase in local gas prices since June 23, a day many locals probably remember well.
A Quick Look at Recent Trends
Interestingly, while prices are increasing, they’re actually 0.8 cents lower compared to just a week ago, and a whopping 15.3 cents lower than last year at this time. It’s a mixed bag for sure, as prices are also down 11.7 cents compared to one month ago. In fact, since hitting a record high of 6.493 dollars on October 5, 2022, the average price has dropped by 2.022 dollars. That’s quite a relief!
Over in Orange County, residents are also starting to feel the pinch as the average price rose four-tenths of a cent to 4.414 dollars. This price is 1.2 cents lower compared to last week, hot on the heels of its own decrease of 14.2 cents from this time last year.
National Trends
Looking at the bigger picture across the nation, the average price of gasoline has also seen a slight uptick, rising 7-tenths of a cent to 3.147 dollars. However, it’s not all bad news as this figure is still 1.5 cents lower than it was a week ago, 3.8 cents lower than one month ago, and 34.4 cents lower than last year.
What’s Causing the Increase?
With gas prices already showing an upward trend, there’s more on the horizon that could lead to even steeper prices. Starting July 1, 2023, California’s gas excise tax will ramp up from 59.6 cents to 61.2 cents per gallon, putting even more pressure on drivers. But that’s not all! Stricter environmental fuel standards will also kick in on the same date, and experts are already estimating that these could push gas prices up between 5 and 65 cents a gallon.
Talk about a double whammy! A Change.org petition aimed at repealing the gas tax has gained traction, attracting over 39,000 signatures. Meanwhile, a group of Republican representatives is pushing for Governor Newsom to suspend state gasoline costs totally. One popular prediction suggests that if current trends continue, gas prices could reach an astonishing 8 dollars per gallon by 2026. Yikes!
What Can Drivers Do?
With all these factors at play, it’s a good time for Californians to get creative in order to save some bucks at the pump. Seeking out cheaper fuel options, carpooling with friends, and considering public transportation might just be the ticket to ease the burden of rising gas prices!
Final Thoughts
While it remains to be seen how high gas prices may truly soar, what’s clear is that both supply constraints and regulatory impacts are set to keep Californians on their toes. Whether or not you fill up your tank with urgency might heavily depend on how much you’d like to spare! Keep an eye on those prices, and safe travels out there!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Gas Prices in Los Angeles See Minor Drops
California Gas Prices Set to Climb Amid New Tax and Environmental Changes
California Gas Prices on the Rise: What You Need to Know
California Gas Prices Set for a Bumpy Ride
Irvine Man Arrested for Racially Charged Road Rage Incident
Gas Prices in Los Angeles on the Move: What You Need to Know
Gas Prices Plummet in Los Angeles and Orange Counties
Los Angeles Gas Prices See a Drop
California Gas Prices Set to Rise Due to New Regulations
Gas Prices in California: Rising Costs on the Horizon!
Additional Resources
- Stacker: How Gas Prices Have Changed in Los Angeles
- Google Search: California gas prices
- NBC Los Angeles: Gas Prices Rise on July 1
- Wikipedia: Gasoline Pricing
- ABC7: California Gas Prices Could Top $8 a Gallon
- Google Scholar: California gas prices 2023
- Los Angeles Times: Gas Pump Costs in July
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Petroleum
- LAist: Fact-Check on California Gas Prices
- Google News: California gas prices news
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
