California Drivers Hit With Over 50-Cent Gas Price Spike In A Week

California gas prices have sharply increased since Operation Epic Fury began, with some drivers seeing jumps of over 50 cents per gallon compared to last week.

The Golden State’s gas prices have consistently run well above the national average, thanks to additional taxes imposed by Democratic lawmakers. American Automobile Association (AAA) data now shows California’s average for regular gas hitting $5.20, up from $4.65 last week. In February, the state average was $4.47, while the national average sat at just $2.90.

“How am I gonna get the money to put more gas in my tank?” Carmichael driver Leyth Ames told ABC10.

Ames explained to the outlet that he had planned a spring break trip with his family but had to cancel because of the higher fuel prices.

“Here in California, the price of a gallon of regular gasoline has gone up about 51 cents in the past week, and nationally, it’s gone up about 47 cents,” Northern California AAA spokesperson Doug Johnson told ABC10. “Really, what’s going on is supply and demand. This conflict in Iran is affecting the supply.”

National gas prices have spiked since the U.S. military launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The national average has climbed to $3.47, but California drivers are bearing far heavier costs.