As gas prices rise, California gets punched harder at the pump than other states

"With the continued conflict in and around Iran, gas prices are rising. In the Los Angeles area and a few places around the San Francisco Bay, the cost of gas has cracked the $5-per-gallon level and is even tipping towards $6 in a few places. The spreading conflict in the Persian Gulf has had a predictable but unwelcome impact on California drivers."

"The average cost of a gallon of regular gas in California is around $4.91, up 26 cents from a week ago and 48 cents from a month ago, according to AAA. The current nationwide average is about $3.32 per gallon. The conflict with Iran has strangled movement through the Persian Gulf and catapulted the price of a barrel of oil."

"The prices in California are higher than in other states due to higher taxes and stricter requirements for cleaner, more expensive gas that pollutes less. This has been a festering issue not only for the industry but also for consumers. Fuel marketers, gas station owners, and some voters have blamed Gov. Gavin Newsom's policies."

California drivers face the highest gas prices in the nation, with average prices around $4.91 per gallon compared to the national average of $3.32. The ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf has disrupted oil movement and increased crude prices. Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay areas have seen prices crack $5 per gallon and approach $6 in some locations. California's elevated prices stem from higher state taxes and stricter environmental requirements for cleaner-burning fuel. Fuel marketers and gas station owners have attributed rising costs to Governor Newsom's policies, including restrictions on fracking permits and oil extraction phases.

Read at Los Angeles Times