Gas prices are finally falling in California, and experts say there could be bigger drops to come.
Gas prices have surged to the highest price on record in recent weeks, but on Monday, the cost is down 40 cents a gallon, according to AAA.
The drop could increase in the coming months thanks to a quirk unique to the Golden State. California produces a more expensive blend of gasoline in the summer that is less polluting to offset the increased driving that is done in those months. Gov. Gavin Newsom said he would switch over to the winter blend early. But that type of gasoline hasn’t hit the pumps yet.
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“Compared to a week ago, gas prices are down in California an average of $0.24, thanks in part to the Governor’s action to switch to winter-blend gasoline early,” the governor’s website said.
Newsom also threatened to hold gas companies accountable for the prices by calling a special legislative session on Dec. 5.
Oil companies say excessive state regulations are to blame for the prices and the winter blend won’t be delivered until November.
The highest average price in the nation belongs to California at $6.05 a gallon, while the lowest price is in Georgia at $3.25. The national average is $3.88. In Los Angeles, the average price is $6.10 a gallon, down from $6.49 on Oct. 5.
While those prices are an average, many gas stations are pushing $7 a gallon in Southern California.
California also has the highest-taxed gasoline in the nation at 51 cents a gallon. Assemblyman Kevin Kiley has introduced several bills attempting to repeal the tax, but they have died in committee.
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Instead, Newsom has opted for a one-time payment mailed to taxpayers that is approximately $1,000. The payment does not take into account the number of miles driven.
Lawmakers say the tax is necessary to repair freeways, yet the state’s roadways are in disrepair, including numerous bridges that have not been upgraded to seismic standards to withstand large earthquakes.
