California Has Highest Gas Prices in Nation

Tracy Davenport

Travel

15th August 2021

California Has Highest Gas Prices in Nation

Most of California is still below $5/gallon, however (Getty Images).

The Claim

California gas prices are over $6/gallon.

News posted on

Emerging story

A social media user posted a picture of gas costing over $6 a gallon, claiming it was in California. He did clarify that the picture was of one station in northern California. However, the post was shared 13,000 times with many comments suggesting these prices are happening throughout California.

A supporting image within the article body

Misbar’s Analysis

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), on August 16, 2021, the nation’s average price of gasoline was $3.19. California’s average price was $4.41. While the $4 price is below what was posted on social media, it is the most expensive average nationwide, even compared to Alaska and Hawaii.

Gas prices in California vary from region to region with gas costing $5.25 a gallon in Mono County to $4.19 in Yuba County.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gas prices are higher on average than they were last year and the year before.

According to abc10.com, there are several factors at play to describe California’s high gas prices. One reason is taxes. Californians pay 81 cents per gallon in taxes so that adds up plenty more than what other states pay. Also there are expensive additives added to California fuel to make it cleaner burning and less pollutant. Another reason for the price increase is demand. According to abc10: “People have been cooped up for a year and if gas companies can charge almost $5 a gallon, they will.”