Gas prices climb 40 cents in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Gas prices are continuing to climb as of Tuesday the current state average for a gallon of gas is $4.78 according to AAA.

The average price per gallon in Fresno is 10 cents higher than the state average and experts say prices could continue to get higher.

Scott Cain is a fuel distributor for West Hills Oil.

He says the increase in prices is due to the state’s limited number of refineries that make fuel.

“These things require a lot of maintenance, and they plan for it typically around this time, but what makes it even worse is if I planned for my refinery to go down and the neighboring refinery is not going down but has unplanned maintenance, then it creates a crisis,” said Cain.

Diesel prices in the state are also up to nearly $5.

Jose Pereira owner of JL Pereira Trucking says he now only drives outside the state because it is hard for truckers to make a living with the high cost of fuel.

“I don’t do any loads in California I just pick up something and get away and stay away for a few weeks I just come back when I need to get to my house or see my family,” said Pereira.

While prices will eventually drop, Cain says there could be more spikes in gas prices as the state continues to push away from the use of fossil fuels.

“Do you think that is an incentive to produce more fuel in the state of California? I’m surprised we haven’t seen more refineries say ‘You know California? I’m done.” said Cain.

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