Californians Forced To Pay More

The truth is that Californians are being forced to pay 40-50% more for gasoline than most States in the country because of strict environmental regulations, special fuel requirements, excessive gas tax, lack of state operating refineries and price gouging in the democrat run state which has overburdened its citizens.

According to: energy.ca.gov – “As of January 2026, California has 12 oil refineries, which are located in the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Los Angeles. Together, these refineries process about 1.5 million barrels per day of crude oil. Of the 12 oil refineries, eight major refineries produce transportation fuels that meet California’s specific environmental standards for formulated gasoline, and four smaller ones produce other fuels. The major refineries also provide most of Nevada and nearly half of Arizona’s transportation fuels. Valero Energy’s Benicia refinery intends to stop refining operations by the end of April 2026, which will leave only seven refineries that produce gasoline.”

When you see gasoline prices reaching $8 per gallon (April 2026), it is evident that democrat California officials are encouraging price gouging at the pumps to use the short term, weeks long Iran war as a reason to trash the current administration. There is absolutely no proof that there is a major shortage of fuel available in California that warrants pricing going from $5 per gallon to $8 per gallon in just one week.

The democrats in California see this as just another political maneuver for their desperate attempt to regain power and control over the country. Another example of this is the democrats in Congress refusing to fund Homeland Security. What is even more astounding is that the democrats openly admit they don’t really care if Americans suffer because of it.

As of early 2026, California has the highest gasoline taxes in the United States, with total state taxes and fees approaching 71 cents per gallon.

California gas taxes and costs for 2026 include:

1. State Excise Tax: The state excise tax increased on July 1, 2025, to 61.2 cents per gallon, up from 59.6 cents, due to an annual inflation adjustment.
   
2. Total Taxes and Fees: When including the excise tax, state sales tax (prepayment), and underground storage tank fees, drivers are paying approximately 70.9 cents per gallon in state-imposed taxes and fees.
   
3. Environmental Fees: Additional costs from California’s climate policies, such as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and Cap-and-Trade program, can add significant, variable amounts to the cost per gallon.
   
4. Federal Tax: On top of the state taxes, the federal excise tax of 18.4 cents per gallon applies, bringing the total tax burden (state + federal) to nearly
   

The way for change is very simple. Californians should take the time to do their research (even though most information on CA politicians is left leaning and hard to find); and vote into office Conservative representatives who will cut regulations and taxes in the best interest of all Californians.