LOS ANGELES (KNX) — Gas prices across California reached a new record average high on Monday of $4.74 a gallon. Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties also hit all-time highs the same day, with drivers paying $4.79, $4.76, and $4.73 respectively at the pump.
California has continued its streak of having the highest gas prices in the United States, far above a national average of $3.53 a gallon.
“The number one reason why we’re seeing these pump prices is the geopolitical tension between Russia and Ukraine,” AAA spokesperson Doug Shupe told KTLA. “That’s putting upward pressure on the crude oil prices.”
“Also, as many parts of the country start warming up, the demand for fuel is increasing as people start to head out and take those road trips,” he said.
Environmental regulations and taxes are also contributing to high prices at California pumps. Drivers pay 51.1 cents per gallon — the second highest rate in the country.
That tax rate is set to go up again on July 1, part of a schedule of hikes instituted in 2017 under Senate Bill 1.
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