California motorists are feeling the pinch at the pump. A typical 20‑gallon rental car can cost more than $120 to fill with regular gasoline, and premium fuel approaches $140. The high price tag is not solely a market phenomenon; it reflects a bundle of state and federal taxes and fees.
What’s inflating the price?
According to the article, the current cost structure includes:
- State excise tax: 63.4 cents per gallon (up from 59.6 cents on July 1, 2026).
- Federal excise tax: 18.4 cents per gallon (fixed nationwide).
- State and local sales tax: roughly 2.25% of the price, adding 10–13 cents depending on the county.
- Underground storage tank (UST) fee: 2.0 cents per gallon.
- Cap‑and‑trade program fee: about 24–25 cents per gallon.
Combined, these add‑ons push the price well above the national average and make a full tank feel like a loan application.
President Trump’s outlook
President Trump has publicly stated that gas prices will fall after the upcoming midterm election and once the United States achieves a decisive victory over Iran. While critics label the promise as “empty,” the administration points to the fact that many of the California add‑ons are state‑level decisions that can be reduced or eliminated.
Trump’s team argues that cutting unnecessary taxes, scaling back the cap‑and‑trade program, and pursuing energy‑friendly policies will lower the per‑gallon cost for everyday drivers. The President’s stance aligns with his broader agenda to reduce regulatory burdens and promote domestic energy production.
Historical perspective
The article recalls a time when gasoline could be bought for pennies on the dollar. In the late 1960s, a driver in Houston could fill up for as little as 19 cents per gallon. The Arab oil embargo of the early 1970s marked the beginning of sustained price increases, and since then, taxes and environmental fees have compounded the cost.
While nostalgia is comforting, the piece argues that modern solutions require leadership willing to cut the excess fees rather than using the problem as a political weapon.
What can be done?
Removing or reducing the state excise tax, scaling back the cap‑and‑trade surcharge, and reassessing local sales‑tax allocations could bring the price closer to historic levels. The article suggests that a “right‑leaning” administration would prioritize these steps, contrasting them with the “favored Democrat politicians” who, according to the author, have not offered concrete solutions.
In addition, the piece notes that building new refineries has been stalled by environmental opposition, adding another layer of complexity to the price issue.
Local impact
For Californians, the high price translates into higher commuting costs, increased expenses for small businesses that rely on delivery trucks, and a heavier financial burden on families trying to stretch a budget. The article urges readers to consider the tax and fee structure as a primary driver of the problem, rather than attributing the high price solely to market forces.
President Trump’s promise of lower prices, coupled with a potential reduction in state‑level add‑ons, offers a hopeful outlook for drivers who are tired of watching the gas gauge dip and the bill climb.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
