California’s gas tax will take a bigger bite out of drivers beginning Wednesday, July 1.

That’s when the excise tax increases by 2.2 cents, rising to 63.4 cents a gallon.

The excise tax hike is separate from the state sales tax and federal tax also tacked on at the pump.

As of Monday morning, the cheapest price for regular gas in Fresno is $ 4.29 a gallon at EZ Trip, 2171 W. Shaw Ave, according to GasBuddy. The cheapest price for diesel is $5.45 at Costco, 7100 N. Abby St., and EZ Trip, 6639 N. Parkway Dr.

California Prices $1.60 a Gallon Higher Than US Average

AAA reported Monday that California’s average price for regular is $5.46. That compares to the national average of $3.86. Taxes, refinery closures, and California’s strict regulations for cleaner-burning gas contribute to California’s high prices.

However, prices have been dropping in California and elsewhere since mid-March with the easing of hostilities between Iran and the U.S. and the tapping of America’s strategic oil reserves. Those reserves are at their lowest level since 1983.

The “sliding gas prices come as millions of Americans prepare to travel for Independence Day in record numbers,” says AAA.

Valadao Opposes Gas Tax Increase

Rep.. David Valadao., R-Hanford, led members of the California’s Republican delegation in sending a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom calling on him to suspend the gas excise tax hike.

“I’ve urged Governor Newsom to suspend the annual gas excise tax increase and pause regulatory measures that raise prices for consumers, but those calls have gone unanswered,” Valadao said in a statement on Monday. “It’s past time for Sacramento to stop these harmful price hikes, prioritize domestic energy production, and ease the burden on hardworking Californians instead of adding to it.”