As average gas prices continue to soar across the country, Los Angeles County saw an increase of more than 65 cents since last Friday.

In the span of a week, prices for regular grade gas jumped from an average of $5.152 per gallon, to $5.802 per gallon in Los Angeles, breaking all-time highs with every passing day, according to numbers from the American Automobile Association (AAA).

In California, the average price increased by more than 62 cents, seeing another record high on Friday at $5.721 per gallon, still eight cents lower than the L.A. average.

The current surge in gas prices has been attributed to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the U.S. cutting off oil imports from Russia.

“They’re going to go up,” Biden said about the U.S. gas prices on March 8. “Can’t do much right now. Russia is responsible.”

During his Tuesday, State of the State address, California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a tax rebate in response to the increased gas prices.

While the governor did not specify details of what the rebate would entail, he said it would “put money back in Californians’ pockets to address rising gas prices.”

California lawmakers have also proposed a bill to suspend gas-related taxes for six months with AB 1638 being presented by Assembly Members Kevin Kiley and James Gallagher.

The bill reads that it would suspend the imposition of the tax on motor vehicle fuels for 6 months,” and would take effect immediately. Removing the proposed California fuel taxes would decrease the average price per gallon by about 51 cents.

The bill will be voted on Monday, March 14, with Kiley saying Republican Assembly Members will be backing the bill.

“On Monday Republicans will be united in voting for my bill to suspend the gas tax. I hope our Democrat colleagues will join us,” Kiley said through Twitter. “Suspending the gas tax won’t make up for this political failure, but it will help millions of struggling Californians.”

 

 

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