Substantial Spike Dings Wallets in Golden State
As the mercury rises in Southern California, so do gasoline prices, leaving drivers reeling from the hefty price tag at the pump. The average gallon of unleaded fuel now stands at an eye-watering .45 in the state, a staggering increase from the .90 average just a month ago, according to LA News Center.
California’s sky-high gas prices dwarf the national average of .67 per gallon, making it a glaring outlier on the map. Experts point to a myriad of factors driving this disparity, but the main culprit seems to be refinery maintenance and the transition to a summer-blend gasoline.
CARB Fuel: A California-Specific Conundrum
“California is like an island when it comes to gasoline supply,” explains Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “We have our unique blend of CARB-mandated fuel, which the rest of the country doesn’t use.”
CARB, or California Reformulated Gasoline, is a special type of fuel formulated to reduce emissions. However, its availability has been dwindling, creating a supply crunch that has pushed prices upward.
“In the past four weeks alone, the supply of CARB-mandated gasoline has plummeted by a whopping 27%,” De Haan points out. “That’s significant and it’s directly impacting prices.”
Hope on the Horizon?
While the current price spike has been tough on Californians, there is a glimmer of relief on the horizon. De Haan predicts that prices could begin to ease toward the end of June as supplies of the summer-blend gasoline increase.
“I’m optimistic that prices will start falling again once summer arrives,” he says. “By the second half of the season, we could potentially see the average price dipping below a gallon in California.”
Tips for Saving at the Pump
While prices remain high, drivers can still pinch pennies at the pump with these tips:
- Use gas-tracking apps: Apps like GasBuddy and Waze provide real-time fuel prices at local stations, allowing you to find the best deals.
- Check AAA: AAA’s website and GPS apps offer up-to-date gas prices along your route, so you can plan your journey accordingly.
- Consider fuel-efficient vehicles: Investing in a more fuel-efficient car can significantly reduce your overall gas expenses.
- Think electric: While electric vehicles have higher upfront costs, they offer substantial savings on fuel in the long run.
In the meantime, drivers in California can only cross their fingers and hope for some relief at the pump as the state endures this painful period of sky-high gas prices.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
