Energy Information Administration examines California gasoline price spike

The Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update maintains California gasoline prices have risen 60 cents per gallon (gal) in the past three weeks.

The report showed regular retail gasoline prices averaged $4.09/gal on Oct. 7, which represented the highest price for the state since mid-2014. Several refineries in the area are experiencing operational issues, which has limited gasoline production.

The breakdown also determined the state’s gas prices are now $1.45/gal more than the national average and $0.45/gal more than the West Coast average – the largest difference in these prices in EIA’s data series dating back to May 2000.

California’s recent gasoline price surge is the largest weekly change seen four years ago when an explosion at the Torrance refinery and several subsequent disruptions led to higher gasoline prices in the state.

Other cost factors that contribute to the state’s higher gasoline prices include California’s more stringent fuel specifications that make replacing disrupted supply difficult, the state’s stricter transportation fuel regulations, and higher transportation fuel taxes than most of the country.

EIA’s weekly gasoline price survey provides data for 10 metropolitan areas, nine states, five regions (Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts), and four subdistricts.