CDTFA announces gas tax increase, Fresno residents react

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Californians can expect to see higher prices at the pump next month after the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration said there will be a gas tax increase.

Arthur Limon gets his gas from the Shell station on McKinley Avenue.

“I got to work harder, to work a little bit more overtime. I make good money, so it really doesn’t bother me a little bit,” Limon said.

While Jennifer Berumen prefers Fastrip on Clinton Avenue.

“We all have to drive, you know, vacation, summer. So, you have to budget that in. And no matter what, people are going to travel, drive,” Berumen said.

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration announced Wednesday, the current gas tax of 59.6 cents per gallon will go up to 61.2 cents per gallon on July 1.

West Hills Oil President Scott Cain said the increase will impact his farmers and truckers hauling goods and services for people to put food on their tables.

“It ultimately ends up as an additional cost to the end consumer because these costs tend to get passed along down the supply chain. At a special time in the country where people are concerned about their egg prices and food bills, this does not help,” Cain said.

According to AAA, an average tank of gas in Fresno costs $4.75.

District 8 Assemblyman David Tangipa said he tried to repeal the increase.

“Most people are thinking about how they can’t afford California. And it’s our duty as legislators right now to make sure that we’re prioritizing those thoughts. And unfortunately, we weren’t able to get that through right now,” Tangipa said.

Tangipa said California residents can also do their part.

“People need to be paying attention to the bills and the laws that are coming out of the state of California and coming out of Sacramento. It has a direct effect on their pocketbooks,” Tangipa said.