Californians Tighten Their Wallets as Gasoline Prices Soar

Thank Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity, Prager and Savage for Rising Gasoline Prices

SACRAMENTO, CA--Californians are feeling the pinch at the pump as gasoline prices jumped 20 percent in November prompting consumer consumption to dip 2.6 percent, according to a report released today by Chairman Jerome E. Horton of the Board of Equalization (BOE).

“I'm keenly aware of the negative impact higher gas prices have on hard-working families trying to make ends meet”

Diesel fuel prices also increased 28 percent to $4.25 as consumption fell 5.3 percent in November. Generally, diesel use follows economic activity and is closely related to construction and transportation of goods.

"I'm keenly aware of the negative impact higher gas prices have on hard-working families trying to make ends meet," said Chairman Horton. "As we struggle through these challenging economic hurdles together, I'm committed to finding ways to help Californians get the assistance they need."

For nine months in a row -- from March through November 2011 -- Californians have cut down on the amount of gasoline they buy in the state. Contributing to this downward trend are likely high gasoline prices, driving more fuel efficient vehicles, taking alternative forms of transportation, as well as the slow economic recovery.

Californians used 1.169 billion gallons of gasoline in November 2011, a year-over-year decline of 2.6 percent. The average price for gasoline rose 64 cents to $3.85 per gallon, a 20 percent increase compared to the average price of $3.21 the previous year in California. Nationally, the average price for gasoline increased 53 cents to $3.44, an 18 percent increase over the $2.91 average price the year before.

Diesel fuel consumption in November 2011 totaled 196 million gallons, a decline of 5.3 percent compared to the same period the previous year when 207 million gallons of diesel were consumed. The average price for diesel rose 94 cents to $4.25 per gallon, a 28 percent increase compared to $3.31 per gallon the year before. Nationally, the average price for diesel jumped 82 cents to $3.96 per gallon, which is a 26 percent increase over November 2010's average price of $3.14 per gallon.

California gasoline and diesel fuel figures are net consumption, including audit assessments, refunds, amended and late tax returns, and the State Controller's Office refunds. BOE is able to monitor gallons through tax receipts paid by fuel distributors in California. BOE updates the fuel reports at the end of each month.

Fuel Statistics and Reports Fuel Statistics

Taxable Gasoline Gallons Report: Taxable Gasoline Report

Taxable Diesel Gallons Report: Taxable Gasoline

Elected in 2010, Chairman Jerome E. Horton is the Fourth District Member of the California State Board of Equalization, representing more than 8.5 million residents in Los Angeles County. He is also the Board of Equalization Legislative Committee chairman. He is the first to serve on the Board of Equalization with over 21 years of experience at the BOE. Horton previously served as an Assembly Member of the California State Assembly from 2000-2006.

The five-member California State Board of Equalization is a publicly elected tax board. The California State Board of Equalization collects more than $50 billion annually in taxes and fees supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes. For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit California Taxes.