Despite already having some of the highest gas prices in the continental United States, it seems things are about to get much worse for Californian drivers.
According to an article published in the Vallejo Times Herald, some analysts are predicting gas prices to jump anywhere between 20 and 30 cents over the next few days, driving gas prices already over $3.00 per gallon to near record highs. And we haven’t even gotten to peak driving season!
The article goes on to state: “Increased driving, a series of refinery problems and the annual conversion to the state’s summer blend of fuel are behind the dizzying increase at local stations.”
It appears that most of the problem can be blamed on the last of the three items listed above. Thanks to the fact California has some of the toughest air quality and auto emission standards in the world - not just the United States – the state’s average fuel price has typically run about a quarter higher than the national average.
Unfortunately, there have been some recent problems at some of the refineries that supply this special blend of fuel, which will only make the increase in the price of gas that much worse in the short term. And considering many locations throughout California are already paying well over $3 per gallon, any increase in price - even if it’s only in the short term – is bound to be unwelcome and unwanted.