People could still feel the pain at the pump well into the summer months

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) - Gas prices continue to go up because of the conflict in Russia and Ukraine.

Juan Orozzo gets his gas at the Pilot gas station along Work Street often. He said it’s one of the cheapest places for him to fill up. 

Because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, like everyone else, Orozzo is feeling the pain at the pump. 

“You kind of have to shop around for the best prices,” said Orozzo.

CSU Monterey Bay Entrepreneurship and Economics Professor Brad Barbeau said the U.S. does not heavily rely on Russia for gas and oil. About 8% of the country’s oil and refined products come from Russia. 

“The problem in terms or pricing is that because it's very hard to increase oil output by the US, by Saudi Arabia, by Venezuela, and other countries that would provide it,” said Barbeau. “It takes time for countries to increase their output.”

Kevin Slagle with the Western States Petroleum Association said producing more in-state oil would help ease the burden on people.

“What we would like to see is a production increase,” said Slagle. “If we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil, in California we have to import about 70% of our crude. If we can produce more in state under the toughest regulations in the world, it would allow us to bring more supply online.”

Barbeau also explained the drive in gas prices is also because people are going out more.

Meanwhile, several California lawmakers are pushing for Governor Newsom to put a pause on the state’s gas. According to the Federation of Tax Administration, California's gas tax is 51.1 cents.

But Barbeau said a pause on the gas tax would only be a short term fix. Barbeau said the high gas prices could possibly stay this well into the summer months. 

Orozzo believes state leaders should step up.

“Gas prices are super high right now,” said Orozzo. “I don't think i've ever seen gas prices like this before.”

KION reached out to Assemblymember Robert Rivas who sent us the following statement:

“Rising gas prices affect all Californians, especially our most disadvantaged communities. Thousands of Monterey Bay Area residents commute to work and will be hit hard by the sky high gas prices. All options need to be on the table as we confront this crisis. I applaud President Biden for releasing 30 million barrels of oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve and for his efforts to reduce our long-term reliance on fossil fuels. In the meantime, I look forward to working together with my colleagues to lower prices for all residents.”

Robert Rivas, 30th District (D-Salinas)