Topline:
A state gas tax increase is set to kick in just in time for the July 4th holiday. But contrary to some reports, the confirmed increases at the pump shouldn’t be more than 10 cents a gallon.
The increase: The tax increase will add 1.6 cents per gallon starting July 1. And stricter air quality regulations that could pass on some cost to the consumer will also take effect next week. According to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, experts say the updated fuel standards could bring increases of 5 to 8 cents.
Down over last year: Doug Shupe with the Automobile Club of Southern California said that as of Thursday, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in the Los Angeles - Long Beach area was $4.61. That’s down 18 cents compared to last year.
Swirl of misinfo? Citing “a swirl of misinformation” Newsom’s office put out a fact check debunking reports that prices at the pump could reach $8 a gallon by 2026.