FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Some state lawmakers are proposing a temporary pause to California’s gas tax as prices at the pump continue to rise, leaving drivers in the state paying among the highest fuel costs in the country.
In Fresno, the GasBuddy average price is $4.47 a gallon, up 50 cents in just one month. Drivers said the rising costs are taking a toll.
“Really, it’s too high. Gas is too high,” said Belvin, a driver we spoke to in Fresno.
Industry analysts say the increase is part of a broader seasonal pattern, compounded by global and local factors.
“This is the seasonal trend. In addition, the upward push in the price of oil because of geopolitical tensions are weighing on prices,” said Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy.
De Haan said multiple factors are contributing to the spike, including geopolitical tensions involving President Trump and Iran, as well as the rollout of California’s summer gasoline blend.
For many drivers, the fluctuations feel constant.
“Especially here, it’s up and down, up and down all the time,” Belvin said.
GasBuddy reports that Californians are now paying some of the highest gas prices anywhere in the country, and the situation is expected to worsen before improving. Prices typically peak in April or May.
“Fresno prices could get close to $5 a gallon, especially if there are unexpected disruptions during refinery maintenance season,” De Haan said.
Against that backdrop, Republican lawmakers introduced a bill that would pause the state’s gas tax for one year. Speaking at a news conference, one lawmaker emphasized the importance of transportation, saying, “Driving isn’t optional. It’s essential.”
The proposal would require Democratic support to advance, but supporters say it could lower gas prices by as much as 61 cents a gallon.
De Haan said consumers would likely see savings if the tax were suspended, though the timing could vary.
“Generally, yes, any reduction in state gasoline taxes will be passed along. How quickly varies based on how the law is written,” he said.
However, gas tax revenue funds road repairs, and critics warn that a pause at the pump could lead to deteriorating infrastructure.
The debate comes as President Trump is expected to highlight his economic agenda, even as his on-and-off tariffs have increased costs for Americans. Action News’ price tracker shows household goods continuing to rise in price.
Some drivers say they have little choice but to absorb the higher costs.
“We have to keep working, and we can’t focus on the prices because we need these things, you know?” said Lolisa Standifer, a driver we spoke to in Fresno.
For now, drivers across the Central Valley are bracing for higher prices in the coming weeks as lawmakers debate whether relief at the pump is worth the potential cost elsewhere.
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