On Thursday, the California Air Resources Board approved Governor Gavin Newsom’s requests to allow early access to winter-blended fuel.
To keep California’s gas prices down, the decision to switch to winter-blend fuel earlier than the law usually allows will help others. Once again, locals say they are disappointed with the pump prices.
“I filled up my car. That was 118 dollars. I’ve never paid that much to fill up my car,” Dave Merritt said.
“I’m disappointed, I’m just disappointed,” said Jackie Sandoval.
“I put in $20 and it only got me about two and a half gallons, maybe even three,” Sosa Peezy said.
Californians began the month of October paying an average of more than six dollars per gallon for regular gasoline.
A month ago, prices averaged five dollars and twenty-three cents per gallon for regular gasoline.
“It went up a lot. I was surprised, even in the last week or two,” Merritt said.
Jackie Sandoval is a resident of Arroyo Grande and says she is frustrated with the price of gas.
“I have a small business and this is ruining my life and my business,” Sandoval said.
Sandoval said that with the way prices are going, he may have to rethink keeping his small business.
“I go to cities to do my business and I have to spend a lot of money on gas instead of doing business,” Sandoval said.
Although gas prices continue to rise, relief may be coming.
Rising gas prices have led Governor Gavin Newsom to begin an early transition to winter-blend fuel in California.
The California Air Resources Board has approved early access to winter-blend fuel that they approved effective immediately on September 28.
“When the economy is struggling, with gas prices high it puts a lot of pressure on people,” Merritt said.
According to Triple-A, gas prices tend to be lower in the winter than in the summer.
A resident from Salinas shared his thoughts on switching from summer mix to winter mix earlier.
“If you lower prices but you get less mileage per gallon then it’s not going to help you as much as you think,” Merritt said.
The advisory issued on September 28 will remain in effect until midnight on October 31.
According to Triple-A, the national average for gas across the US currently sits at roughly $3.82.
That’s two dollars less than the average gas in California.
