Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Oh California, You’ve Done It Again

The last time I bought gas I paid $4.09 a gallon.  Granted, that was a couple of weeks ago because the only place I’ve driven to is work.  But due to a gas shortage in California over the last week or so, gas prices have skyrocketed.  We already have some of the highest gas prices in the country, so this shortage because of a fire, a power outage, and the reduction of our “summer grade” gas led to even higher prices – higher than even Hawaii, which is saying something.  On a side note, I always find it so odd that gas is made right here, but due to the amount of taxes added to our cost,  we pay more than other states do who have it shipped miles and miles in. 

Gas stations around the state have run out of gas, there are terrible lines at other stations, and prices shot up over $5 - $6 a gallon.  I am a gallon or two above empty and keep driving by the gas station hoping the prediction that Sacramento is curbing the costs actually comes true.  It has dropped some since Monday, but still quite high.  I’ve got maybe two more trips to work before I’m going to have to fill up again.  It seems I’m not the only one running on empty because now reports (from AAA) say that people up and down the state are running out of gas left and right because, while waiting for the prices to go down, they waited too long. 

When I first heard of the price increase, I figured it was something the entire country was facing (only slightly less since most pay less than we do).  But leave it to good ole Cali to get itself into even more of a mess than we are in already.  With our cost of living increasing rapidly, the cost of property falling even faster, our sales tax at almost 10%, furlough days, and now gas dollars more than the rest of the country it seems to be getting harder and harder to live here.  

Anyways, hopefully my gas lasts until we get some relief at the pump.  Wish me luck!  I should check to be sure my AAA membership is up-to-date just in case though.

10 comments:

  1. (smile, a little crazily)
    $6 is €4.66

    Now 5 liters isn't exactly a gallon, it's near enough. Today, one liter is €1.60 x 5 = €7.50, or $9.64 of good ol'Yankee dollars a gallon.

    Looking at those photos, I'd be far more worried about all the water used to keep them in that jewel like condition.

    Oh sale's tax is 21% here and in the UK.

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    1. Oh, I know, it's not right to talk about our gas prices being high compared to yours (and clearly sales tax too). But in relation to the US and its average prices, we are so high. When I lived back east, the sales tax ranged from 0 - 5%. In NH I paid no sales tax and no state income tax. So again, CA is so high in comparison to the rest of the country.
      21% huh? Is that on everything?

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    2. Yeah but in NH there is fuck all else other than trees lakes up-scale B&B's and expensive education establishments.
      Wasn't the school in Dead Poets Society in NH.
      And yes the 21% is on most things. Except unprocessed foods and a few other basics.

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    3. Ha ha! You're right about NH, but it sure is beautiful there. Being a poor college student, the lack of state taxes was quite helpful.
      Actually, I'm not one of those who thinks we shouldn't have to pay them. If we expect services then we should expect to pay them. What is frustrating is that ours are relatively high (compared to the rest of the country), but we are still at the bottom of spending in so many areas. Being 48th in education spending alone is a particular sore spot with me.

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  2. We have been watching those prices rise. I thought they were high last month when we were there. The tax rate is what really puts it over the top. I hope you don't run out of gas.

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    1. Me too! Watching with a little smirk on your face too I'm sure, knowing that you don't have to pay them anymore. :)

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  3. Good old California! When my son calls and says, "Wow, I couldn't beleive I had to pay $3.45 for gas today," I want to scream...but I don't quite feel your pain as we have had gas at Costco here and in some places there isn't any. I rarely fill up because I ride my bike to work...but it is raining now so I may have to carpool in the morning.

    BUT, the winter blend should be here by Friday with a promised drop of 50 cents per gallon...I will believe that when I see it.

    TGIF tomorrow!!

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    1. I hope by tomorrow because my gas light went on while driving home tonight. I've got about 2 more gallons left. It's nice and wintery right now, but it's supposed to be back up in the 90s again next week. Think about all the pollution we'll be contributing too when it's hot AND not the right blend of gas. :)

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  4. That's why I lost freelance jobs--they wanted me to drive all over and I was going to spend in gas half of what'd I'd make!

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    1. When my commute doubled upon moving to my new school this year, it went from 5 miles round trip to 10. So, luckily, I'm not a slave to the pump. I do feel for people who drive hours every day, sitting in traffic. They're paying gobs of money, as you said, to go to work to pay for that gas.

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