Arizona Tribune - Levanta Tu Voz Explores What's Driving California’s High Gas Prices

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / March 11, 2025 / California drivers continue to grapple with gas prices that are among the highest in the nation. With the average price of regular gas in California currently at $4.78 per gallon - an increase of $0.31 from just a month ago - this surge places a growing financial burden on both consumers and businesses.

California's fuel costs are consistently higher due to a combination of factors. According to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the state fuel tax adds $0.60 per gallon to the retail price. In addition to taxes, market supply and demand, regulatory fees, and environmental policies further increase costs. While the price of oil plays a role, California's fuel prices are primarily driven by a range of state-specific economic and policy factors.

"High gas prices affect more than just drivers. They place a significant strain on small businesses, making it harder to manage expenses and stay competitive," said Oscar Garcia, Vice President of the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "Rising transportation and delivery costs lead to higher prices, impacting consumers already facing increased costs for goods and services."

Levanta Tu Voz, a Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) program, is urging policymakers to pursue energy solutions that reduce costs for all Californians. Its latest blog post "Why Are California Gas Prices So High?" sheds light on the true drivers of high gas prices - raising critical questions about who truly benefits.

"Levanta Tu Voz is committed to promoting both sustainability and affordability. While cleaner energy and a healthier environment are important, it is crucial that policies do not place an additional financial burden on working-class families and small businesses already facing high living costs. We need solutions that balance environmental responsibility with economic well-being to support our communities," said Argelia Leon, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Southwest Policy, WSPA.

To read the full blog, learn more about Levanta Tu Voz, and understand how California's energy policies may affect you, visit https://levantatuvoz.org/.

About Levanta Tu Voz

Levanta Tu Voz (Raise Your Voice) is a program of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) created to empower voices of the Latino community across California. Efforts to improve air quality and fight climate change are important but will only work if the solutions are affordable for everyone. Even though Latinos will be disproportionately impacted by a rushed energy transition, Latino voices are often absent from discussions on energy and climate issues. WSPA has been working with - and listening to - the Latino community to co-create a program where Latino voices and perspectives can be part of the energy and climate conversation.

SOURCE: Levanta Tu Voz

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

M.King--AT