Gas Tax

A blue sign advertising gas prices from $5.99 to $6.39 per gallon towers over a clear blue sky at a gas station.

Politics

Some California Democrats pitch gas price relief as prices at the pump soar

Experts say the latest gas price spike is driven by global oil markets and the Iran conflict, while California’s higher base price stems from refinery closures, the state’s market and environmental rules.

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Alejandro Lazo

• March 18, 2026

An aerial view of vehicles driving through a highway surrounded by farmland on both ends.

Politics

California GOP lawmakers are incensed over a gas tax study. Rural groups say they need it

California’s gas is so radioactive, even a bill to study alternatives is fraught. Rural officials are frustrated over the partisan fight because their local industries depend on well-maintained roads.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• March 2, 2026

Flames and smoke rise from an industrial fire at night as firefighters spray water from an elevated ladder truck onto the blaze, illuminating the scene in bright orange light.

Commentary

Refinery fire spotlights California’s gas supply crunch and high prices at the pump

Damage from the Chevron El Segundo refinery fire hasn't been tallied yet. But gas prices are likely to soar anyway because two other refineries are closing.

By

Dan Walters

• October 7, 2025

Commentary

If zero-emission cars cut gasoline sales and tax revenue, how will California replace them?

Given the expected decline in gas sales under California's zero-emission vehicle mandates, the politics for implementing a new revenue source will be as thorny as the gas tax has been for 102 years.

By

Dan Walters

• March 25, 2025

An ARCO station sign on the left foreground side of the frame showing gas prices ranging from $4.09 to $4.69 per gallon near a Sinclair station across the street with prices ranging from $3.99 to $4.59 per gallon.

Commentary

Gavin Newsom can’t prove price gouging at the pump but wants new refinery law

Gov. Gavin Newsom has called the Legislature into special session to deal with gas prices but offers scant evidence to back his allegations of price-gouging.

By

Dan Walters

• September 17, 2024

A Shell gas station price sign displays the cost of gasoline: $5.79 per gallon for regular, $5.99 for plus, and $6.19 for V-Power. The sign is surrounded by palm trees and greenery, with a blue 'Tap, Pump, Go' payment sign nearby. A banner advertising a $9 car wash special is attached to the sign. In the background, a multi-story building with a sign reading 'Cardiovascular Institute of San Diego' stands among streetlights and urban infrastructure. Part of a car and foliage frame the image in the foreground.

Commentary

What will happen to gas prices and taxes if California shifts away from fossil fuels?

California's gas taxes increased this week, but the larger issue is what happens to gas prices and tax revenues as the state attempts to reduce greenhouse gases and move away from fossil fuels.

By

Dan Walters

• July 3, 2024

Adrian De La Cruz fills his work truck with diesel gas at a filling station in west Fresno on May 7, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Capitol

Will Californians get any relief on gas prices?

The state’s average price at the pump is up 55 cents from a year ago as the more expensive summer blend kicks in, with a gas tax hike starting July 1. Legislators want to know what a new watchdog is doing to help consumers.

By

Lynn La

• May 7, 2024

Traffic on Highway 50 in Sacramento on June 30, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

Californians pay high gas prices and high gas taxes yet still drive on bad highways

California's gas prices are spiking again. The state's motorists are not only paying high prices but high fuel taxes and not getting much in return.

By

Dan Walters

• March 29, 2024

Traffic on Highway 99 near Parkway Drive in Fresno on Feb. 25, 2023. The newly appointed committee wants to give money to the City of Fresno for a pedestrian bridge that would cross Highway 99 and connect Parkway Drive and Roeding Park. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Environment

California gas tax revenue will drop by $6 billion, threatening roads

As the state battles climate change and Californians drive fewer gas-powered cars, tax revenue will drop substantially, according to a new state analysis. EV fees will make up only part of the transportation shortfall so lawmakers need new funding options.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• December 13, 2023

Governor Gavin Newsom poses with cheering workers after he signed legislation supporting fast food workers and boosting wages to $20 an hour, at a press conference at SEIU Local 721 in Los Angeles on Sept. 28, 2023. Anneisha Williams, a fast food worker cheers beside him to the right. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

WhatMatters

Fast food workers get raises from new California law

With tears in her eyes, Anneisha Williams, a Jack in the Box employee from Inglewood, lifted the piece of paper that was Assembly Bill 1228 with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s fresh signature. The measure will raise the minimum wage for fast food workers to $20 an hour next April and create a council to set labor […]

By

Lynn La

• September 29, 2023