Gasoline consumption in California rose 2.4 percent during the 2014-15 fiscal year, the largest annual increase since the 2003-04 fiscal year and a likely byproduct of the Golden State’s improving economy, according to the state Board of Equalization. Cheaper fuel costs likely contributed as well, according to energy analysts.
In fiscal year 2014-15, the board said in-state motorists consumed 14.92 billion gallons of gasoline, up from 14.57 billion gallons the previous year. The BOE said the average price of gas in fiscal year 2014-15 was $3.42 per gallon, down nearly 13 percent from an average of $3.92 a gallon the year before.
The board also noted that diesel fuel consumption rose about 2.5 percent in 2014-15, following a 3.5 percent jump in 2013-14. Diesel consumption, considered an indicator of truck commerce, totaled more than 2.8 billion gallons in 2014-15.
Gasoline consumption in the Golden State was generally flat or declining over the past decade. In fact, according to BOE figures, in the 10 fiscal years from 2004-05 to 2013-14, the annual rate of consumption declined in eight of those years. Experts cited the recession, a decrease in road trips taken by California residents and less overall consumer demand for gas.
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