California Gasoline Consumption Down 1.8%, Diesel up 4.8%

SACRAMENTO, CA--January 31, 2012: Gasoline consumption in California declined 1.8 percent in October 2011 while diesel fuel consumption increased 4.8 percent according to a report released today by California State Board of Equalization (BOE) Chairman Jerome E. Horton.

“High gas prices appear to be directly affecting fuel consumption in California”

"High gas prices appear to be directly affecting fuel consumption in California," said Horton. "We are seeing a trend of Californians consuming less gasoline in the last eight months of 2011. We'll see what coming months show as California begins to turn the corner and shows signs of economic growth."

California used 1.23 billion gallons of gasoline in October 2011 which is a 1.8 percent decline from the previous year when 1.26 gallons were used. In California, the average price of gasoline rose 74 cents to $3.89 per gallon in October 2011, a 23 percent increase compared to $ 3.15 per gallon in October 2010. Nationally, the average price of fuel jumped 66 cents to $3.51 in October 2011, a 23 percent increase over the October 2010 price per gallon of $2.85.

Diesel fuel consumption in California increased 10.3 million gallons in October to a total of 226 million gallons, which is a 4.8 percent increase compared to the previous year when 216 million gallons were consumed. The average price of diesel in California rose 85 cents to $4.06 per gallon in October 2011 compared to $3.21 per gallon in October 2010. Nationally, the average price of diesel rose 75 cents to $3.80 per gallon which is a 25 percent increase compared to $3.05 per gallon in October 2010.

California gasoline and diesel fuel figures are net consumption that includes audit assessments, refunds, amended and late tax returns and the State Controller's Office refunds. BOE is able to monitor gallons through tax receipts paid by fuel distributors in California. BOE updates the reports at the end of each month.

Fuel Statistics and Reports Fuel Stats

Taxable Gasoline Gallons Report: Taxable Gas Gallons Report

Taxable Diesel Gallons Report: Taxable Diesel Gallons