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California Gasoline Consumption Down 4.8%, Diesel 11.0% in May 2008
31 August 2008
Gasoline consumption in California in May 2008 continued its downward trend, with Californians using 4.8% less gasoline in the month than during the same period the year before, according to figures from the State Board of Equilization (BOE). Diesel consumption in May 2008 was 11.0% below that of May 2007.
Total gallons of gasoline used were 65.0 million fewer in May 2008 than in May 2007. On a month-to-month basis, Californians used 26.2 million gallons (2.1%) more gasoline than in April 2008. Historically, May shows an increase over April, in part because of the Memorial Day holiday, which traditionally is the start of the summer when people travel more and consume more fuel.
The average California gas price at the pump rose from $3.85 per gallon in April to $4.02 in May 2008, which was 15.2% above the average price of May 2007 when it was $3.49. The BOE estimates that nearly twice as much sales tax is generated annually by higher gasoline prices than five years ago. Those higher prices generated approximately $3.6 billion in sales tax during 2007 when the average price was $3.12. In contrast, 2003’s gasoline sales generated $2.1 billion when the average pump price was $1.88.
May 2008 diesel fuel sold for use on California roads totaled 225 million gallons. A month-to-month comparison shows that in May 2008 Californians used 4.9 million (2.1%) gallons less diesel than April 2008. The decreased consumption reflects both the impacts of higher diesel prices and the slowing economy, which is associated with less freight movement on California roads and highways. California diesel prices were up 58% compared to May of 2007.
The BOE monitors gallons through tax receipts paid by fuel distributors. Figures for June 2008 are scheduled to be available near the end of September.
August 31, 2008 in Brief | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Comments
Posted by: jayson | August 31, 2008 at 11:14 AM
these are only may numbers...i would love to see the august ones, as gas has definitely slipped back to levels around $4/gal.
Posted by: lensovet | August 31, 2008 at 11:30 AM
It is not suppressing that the price of petroleum based fuel has retreated to almost bearable levels just before the national elections. Could it be that OPEC and others want four more years?
Posted by: Axil | August 31, 2008 at 12:13 PM
It took a while for the price/demand function to move. Gasoline went over $3 per gallon and more was used. Gasoline goes over $4 per gallon and less is used. When people have to use gasoline to get to and from work to pay their bills, there is not much they can do, but pay the price. Sure, people will say use mass transit or car pools or telecommute, but in reality most will drive.
Posted by: sjc | August 31, 2008 at 12:42 PM
true - but everyone can drive less and combine trips. Many can consider a smaller car/vehicle. My bet is most of this is just fewer trips - less discretionary driving.
shane
Posted by: shane | August 31, 2008 at 06:32 PM
People are getting crushed by gas prices....wages are not going up accordingly...this was just a matter of time...maybe we should move to Alaska where they give citizens extra cash courtesy of the oil companies when gas prices go up....
Posted by: ejj | September 01, 2008 at 04:04 PM
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Wow imagine that economics works.