Overview
- California’s state gasoline excise tax will increase by 2.2 cents Wednesday, July 1, bringing the state levy to 63.4 cents per gallon under the inflation‑linked formula set by 2017 law.
- The change applies only to the state excise tax and does not affect the federal gas tax or the sales taxes and local fees already folded into retail pump prices.
- Republican members of California’s congressional delegation, led by Rep. David Valadao, have urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to suspend the hike, while Newsom’s office argues a pause would jeopardize road‑repair funding and would not guarantee lower retail prices.
- Motorists face the increase on top of already high statewide averages near $5.5 per gallon and recent in‑state refinery closures that have reduced refining capacity and increased reliance on out‑of‑state and imported fuel.
- Officials warn that accelerating electric vehicle adoption—nearly 23% of new car sales—will push down future gas‑tax revenue and intensify debates over alternative road‑funding options such as mileage‑based fees.