Californians filling up their cars winced at the spiralling cost of gasoline, but largely shrugged as residents of the state that has long had the highest gas prices in the United States.
California drivers are paying an average of more than $1.34 per litre, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), up more than a third from a year ago, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sends world oil prices rocketing. It’s going to affect the prices,” Mike Hernandez told AFP.
“I’m not really into politics or anything like that, but now that this thing is going on between Russia and Ukraine, it’s just that sad.”
Prices for crude oil — the raw material for gasoline — have been hit hard, and are up well above $110 a barrel, with players fretting about the impact on Russian supplies, as sanctions choke Moscow off from the global economy.
While all countries have access to the same gasoline, subsidies or taxes imposed locally mean the ultimate cost to consumers varies wildly. On average, Americans pay around $1 per litre, according to the AAA, and even California’s $1.34 per litre is well below the prices paid by Europeans.
“It’s expensive but it’s always been more expensive here in California, so I guess we’re used to it,” said Harry Lee, as he fueled up on the way to work in Los Angeles on Friday. I’ll be happy when it goes down but so far it doesn’t impact me too much,” he added.
California’s relatively high gas prices are the result of state taxes, as well as stricter refining rules that require specific fuel formulae intended to reduce air pollution in the hot summer months.
Source: eNCA
In other news – Mohale helps struggling family – Photos
TV and Radio personality Mohale Motaung is a man of his words. Last month he promised to help a family from Uitenhage, in the Eastern Cape, that lost everything when their home burnt down.
Taking to his social media platforms this week, Mohale revealed that he together with the Collen Mashawana Foundation, visited the family, and they have agreed to build a house for the family. Learn more
