California motorists protest soaring pump prices despite abundant local oil production

Los Angeles drivers are voicing frustration over gasoline costs that far exceed those in Hawaii, even though California produces millions of barrels of crude each year. At a Shell pump on Pico and Sepulveda, Csaba Mester said he now pays $130 for a full tank, about 30% more than before, and blamed Democratic energy policies and the Iran war for the rise. Other commuters like Nestor Luna and Oscar Montes reported weekly fuel bills of $500 and $300, respectively, forcing them to cut grocery purchases.

They argue that California’s high excise tax, environmental fees and strict fuel standards outweigh any shipping savings Hawaii enjoys. Gubernatorial hopeful Steve Hilton has pledged to eliminate the state gas tax, repeal the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, and increase domestic production to lower prices to $3 per gallon. Chevron spokesperson Ross Allen noted that while the state has significant production, its taxes and fees are the highest in the nation, driving up consumer costs.