The ‘California Premium’: Why the Golden State’s ‘Take Per Gallon’ consistently outpaces refiner earnings

As California moves through 2026, a clear fiscal reality is visible at the gas pump. For every gallon of regular unleaded gasoline sold in the state, combined taxes, fees, and regulatory program costs imposed by state and local governments now represent a substantial portion of the final price — frequently exceeding the net profit margins earned by refiners after costs.