PAIN AT PUMP?
Gas prices should rise; new laws take effect
A number of factors are affecting gas prices in California. But all of those who monitor gas prices are saying this: Gas prices are expected to rise through the rest of the summer.
On Monday, the latest hike in the state gas tax went into effect, The tax was increased by 5.6 cents a gallon. The increase comes as a result of a 2017 law designed to raise about $5 billion a year for road and mass transit programs.
As a result the gas tax is now 47.3 cents a gallon as of July 1. The gas tax will also continue to increase indefinitely beginning next year to keep up with the California Consumer Price Index.
But the gas tax is just one factor affecting gas prices. Of course during this Independence Day week, gas prices are expected to rise.
But Gasbuddy.com says gas prices should continue to rise through the rest of the summer. “Of course, most motorists suspected prices would rise ahead of July Fourth, but it’s not the holiday that should be pointed at. Motorists can blame escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran for higher oil prices, declining inventories and even a potential U.s./china trade deal,” Gasbuddy.com stated.
“The second half of the summer may end up being pricier than the first half, especially if the U.S. and China can get basically any trade deal in place and/or tensions continue to remain high between the U.S. and Iran. And not to forget hurricane season’s peak in the second half, it may get ugly at the pump.”
As of Tuesday morning, Eagle Feather Trading Post had the lowest gas price at $3.45 per gallon. Gasbuddy.com stated the average gas price in Porterville as of Tuesday morning was $3.69 a gallon.
California does have an avearage gas price of $3.77 a gallon, the
American Automobile Association stated, and that’s a $1 higher than the national average which Gaspriceewatch. com stated was $2.77 a gallon.
The average gas price nationall has increased 10 cents in just the last week from $2.67 a gallon to $2.77 a gallon, Gaspricewatch.com reported.
Along with the raise in the gas tax, other laws took effect on July 1.
Among them is a stricter law that expands already strict gun contol laws in the state by requiring background checks for anyone buying ammunition and barring ammo sales except through licensed dealers. Gun owners already in the state’s databases will have to pay a $1 fee each time they buy bullets or shotgun shells, while others can buy longer term licenses. Dealers have seen a spike in sales as the state prepares to implement the restrictions imposed by voters in 2016. Opponents are suing to block the restrictions.
The state also implemented its statewide ban on all lead ammunition for hunting. Lead ammunition can be used for target shooting.
Law enforcement agencies now have 45 days to make public body camera footage recorded during an incident causing death or serious injury.
It ‘s also unlawful to sell larger quantities of non-odorized butane. The law is designed to prevent the use of the highly flammable solvent to manufacture hash oil from cannabis.