California gas tax increase brings slightly higher fuel prices to Fourth of July travelers

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - California drivers will see slightly higher prices at the pump starting July 1, thanks to a statewide gas tax increase of 2.2 cents per gallon.

The annual increase will bring the state's gas tax to 63.4 cents, the highest in the nation.

It comes as drivers hit the road for the Fourth of July and already face high prices due to fuel shortages from the Iran War and Strait of Hormuz closures.

AAA data shows California already leads the national average of $3.84/gallon for gas prices, at $5.41.

For Coachella Valley drivers and those passing through, they've been budgeting for the uncertainty.

"We've already put over $200 in gas from Sacramento to here, and we're not even in Phoenix yet. I just know that it's a lot of money for people like us, retired people. Social security can't keep up with these gas prices," said Graciela Gil, a driver from Sacramento on a road trip.

Ashley Brittain, a tourist from China, says she's already budgeted for a monthlong road trip she's taking from Mexico to Canada.

"I've budgeted over a thousand, like $1,000 to $1,500," Brittain said.

The tax pays for infrastructure and road maintenance, but some have called to abolish it in favor of more competitive pricing.

Despite those higher prices, AAA says they're the lowest in weeks.

"In the past six weeks, gas prices have been dropping. We're going to be paying a lot less, between $0.60 to $0.80 less than Memorial Day," Anlleyn Venegas said.

Venegas also says the sticker shock won't keep travelers off the road this holiday weekend.

"Even with higher gas prices, they're cutting costs by either staying with friends with family, choosing more affordable hotels, or spending less on dining out," she said.

For more information on gas prices across the Coachella Valley, visit KESQ's Gas Gauge at https://kesq.com/gas-gauge/.