TAX NEWS - February 2009

California Gasoline Use Down 2.8%, Diesel Use Drops 11.4%

Betty T. Yee, Chairwoman of the Board of Equalization (BOE), today announced gasoline figures that show Californians used less gasoline in November 2008 than in November 2007, down 35 million gallons from the prior year, a decline of 2.8 percent. Californians used a total of 1.20 billion gallons of gasoline in November 2008, compared with 1.23 billion in November 2007.

The average California gas price at the pump in November 2008 was $2.51 per gallon, a 26.0 percent decrease from the average price in November 2007 when it was $3.39. Gasoline sold at the lower price in November 2008 generated approximately $239 million in sales tax during that month, an estimated $93 million less than was generated in November 2007.

Diesel fuel sold for use on California roads totaled 204 million gallons in November 2008, an 11.4 percent decline, which is 26 million gallons below that of November 2007. The decreased consumption reflects the impacts of the recession that is associated with less freight movement on California roads and highways. California diesel prices were $2.83 in November 2008, down 21.6 percent compared to November 2007 when the average diesel price was $3.61.

The BOE is able to monitor gallons through tax receipts paid by fuel distributors. Figures for December 2008 are scheduled to be available at the end of March 2009.

California State Board of Equalization is a publicly elected tax board. The BOE collects more than $53 billion annually in taxes and fees supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes.