California gas priciest in U.S.
| • | Refinery closings elevate gas prices |
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer
While Hawai'i drivers still pay more at the pump than most of their Mainland counterparts, Californians are again facing the highest prices for gasoline in the country.
In California, prices have soared about 39 cents since early February to an average of $2.179 Friday for a gallon of self-serve regular, compared with an average of $2.100 a gallon for Hawai'i, according to AAA travel club.
California's price increases are attributed to a variety of factors, including an increase in demand for gasoline and a lack of sufficient refining capacity.
Hawai'i has two refineries operated by ChevronTexaco and Tesoro Petroleum Corp. State consultants last year raised doubts about the long-term viability of local refiners because of increasing competition, but there have been no announced plans to close the refineries.
Hawai'i's prices climbed about 4 cents a gallon for regular over the past month, while the U.S. average jumped about 9 cents over the same period.
The local price hikes have come as the Legislature debates whether to allow pending gasoline price caps to take effect in July.
Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8093.
