Lawmakers Propose Pausing California Gas Tax as Prices Climb

Republican lawmakers introduce bill to suspend state gas tax for one year amid rising fuel costs

Feb. 25, 2026 at 7:04am

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Some state lawmakers in California are proposing a temporary pause to the state's gas tax as prices at the pump continue to rise, leaving drivers in the state paying among the highest fuel costs in the country. The proposal would require Democratic support to advance, but supporters say it could lower gas prices by as much as 61 cents per gallon.

Why it matters

The rising gas prices are taking a toll on drivers in California, who are now paying some of the highest prices for fuel anywhere in the country. While a gas tax suspension could provide relief at the pump, critics warn that it could also lead to deteriorating infrastructure as the tax revenue funds road repairs.

The details

The average gas price in Fresno is currently $4.47 per gallon, up 50 cents in just one month. Industry analysts say the increase is part of a broader seasonal pattern, compounded by global and local factors like geopolitical tensions and the rollout of California's summer gasoline blend. Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill that would pause the state's gas tax for one year, which they say could lower prices by as much as 61 cents per gallon. However, the proposal would require Democratic support to advance, and critics warn that a tax suspension could lead to deteriorating infrastructure as the revenue funds road repairs.

  • The average gas price in Fresno is currently $4.47 per gallon, up 50 cents in just one month.
  • Prices typically peak in April or May, and Fresno prices could get close to $5 per gallon, especially if there are unexpected disruptions during refinery maintenance season.

The players

Republican Lawmakers

Republican lawmakers in California have introduced a bill that would pause the state's gas tax for one year.

Patrick De Haan

An industry analyst at GasBuddy who says that any reduction in state gasoline taxes will be passed along to consumers, though the timing may vary.

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What they’re saying

“Generally, yes, any reduction in state gasoline taxes will be passed along. How quickly varies based on how the law is written.”

— Patrick De Haan, Industry Analyst, GasBuddy (abc30.com)

What’s next

The proposed bill to pause the California gas tax for one year will require Democratic support to advance. The debate over the potential impacts of a tax suspension, both on consumer prices and infrastructure funding, is expected to continue in the state legislature.

The takeaway

The rising gas prices in California are putting a significant strain on drivers, who are now paying some of the highest fuel costs in the country. While a temporary suspension of the state gas tax could provide relief at the pump, it also raises concerns about the potential impact on road repairs and infrastructure funding.