Gas prices at lowest in years, but not for long

It’s costing less to fill-up your car, truck or SUV as gas prices hit their lowest level in four years, an average $3 nationwide.

In Cathedral City gas prices dropped from $2.97 a gallon to $2.95 a gallon at the Arco AMPM on East Palm Canyon Drive.

“I’m very grateful it’s below $3. Any penny I can save helps. It’s great,” said Joseph Riordan, of Cathedral City.

However, prices will soon take another jump at the pump because the state’s cap and trade program for transportation fuels, a regulation already approved by the California Air Resources Board that’ll increase the cost of gasoline from 15 cents a gallon to 76 cents a gallon.

It’s part of AB 32, a law requiring a sharp reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a state effort toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. The regulations already apply to industrial facilities and starting Jan. 1, 2015, the first time, it affects consumers.

“We still see our customers struggling so we’re trying to help out a little if we can,” said Paul Marcincowski, owner of AMPM. “Obviously it’s out of our control. Unfortunately if we can get an increase we have to pass it on to stay in business.”

Those costs won’t stop at the pump. The gas tax will increase the price of everything, including food and medicine. It’ll also make it more expensive for local governments and school districts to provide public transportation.

“I think it’s horrible. We are taxed enough on fuel. I think we need a break. We need to catch up a little bit,” said Riordan. “I’ve been living paycheck to paycheck. It’s not been easy.”

Marcincowski said he’ll keep the costs at the pump down for as long as he can. Until Jan. 1, people will line up to fill up on cheaper gas.

“For right now we have to take advantage of it and enjoy it,” said Teresa Ramirez, of Cathedral City.