LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday said an effort to drive down the cost of gasoline could take some time before drivers feel any relief.
The statewide average price for a gallon of regular rose to an all-time high of $4.668 for the third straight day Monday, according to AAA.
Brown told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO that his order for state smog regulators to allow winter-blend gasoline to be sold in California earlier than usual may not show immediate results.
“We’re taking the action we can, but even the action that I just ordered is not gonna solve it in the next couple of days,” said Brown. “Over time, it’s gonna come down. And if anybody’s got better ideas, please call us.”
Winter-blend gas typically isn’t sold until after October 31. Few refineries outside the state are currently making summer-blend gas, putting the pressure on already-taxed California manufacturers.
Brown said the early switch should increase supplies by anywhere from 8 to 10 percent.
Since Friday, gas prices have surpassed those in Hawaii to become the highest in the nation after prices surged over 19 cents in just one night.
On Sunday, Senator Dianne Feinstein called for the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how gas prices skyrocketed in such a short period of time – an investigation that Brown said may not provide the answers consumers are looking for.
‘I’m one of the most skeptical people in this damn state,” said Brown. “I’ve seen it, I’ve been around for a long time…I was around when the last gas line started.”
KNX 1070′s Jon Baird reports Southland driver are certainly looking forward to some relief at the pump.
“Half of my checks go to gasoline just getting to work,” said one driver.
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