Californians are feeling the pinch at the pump as gasoline prices jumped 20 percent in November prompting consumer consumption to dip 2.6 percent, according to a report released by Chairman Jerome E. Horton of the Board of Equalization (BOE).

“As we struggle through these challenging economic hurdles together, I’m committed to finding ways to help Californians get the assistance they need.”

Diesel fuel prices also increased 28 percent to $4.25 as consumption fell 5.3 percent in November. Generally, diesel use follows economic activity and is closely related to construction and transportation of goods.

“I’m keenly aware of the negative impact higher gas prices have on hard-working families trying to make ends meet,” said Chairman Horton. “As we struggle through these challenging economic hurdles together, I’m committed to finding ways to help Californians get the assistance they need.”

For nine months in a row – from March through November 2011 – Californians have cut down on the amount of gasoline they buy in the state. Contributing to this downward trend are likely high gasoline prices, driving more fuel efficient vehicles, taking alternative forms of transportation, as well as the slow economic recovery.

Californians used 1.169 billion gallons of gasoline in November 2011, a year-over-year decline of 2.6 percent. The average price for gasoline rose 64 cents to $3.85 per gallon, a 20 percent increase compared to the average price of $3.21 the previous year in California. Nationally, the average price for gasoline increased 53 cents to $3.44, an 18 percent increase over the $2.91 average price the year before.

Diesel fuel consumption in November 2011 totaled 196 million gallons, a decline of 5.3 percent compared to the same period the previous year when 207 million gallons of diesel were consumed. The average price for diesel rose 94 cents to $4.25 per gallon, a 28 percent increase compared to $3.31 per gallon the year before. Nationally, the average price for diesel jumped 82 cents to $3.96 per gallon, which is a 26 percent increase over November 2010’s average price of $3.14 per gallon.

California gasoline and diesel fuel figures are net consumption, including audit assessments, refunds, amended and late tax returns, and the State Controller’s Office refunds. BOE is able to monitor gallons through tax receipts paid by fuel distributors in California. BOE updates the fuel reports at the end of each month.

Fuel Statistics and Reports www.boe.ca.gov/sptaxprog/spftrpts.htm

Taxable Gasoline Gallons Report: www.boe.ca.gov/sptaxprog/reports/MVF_10_Year_Report.pdf

Taxable Diesel Gallons Report: www.boe.ca.gov/sptaxprog/reports/Diesel_10_Year_Report.pdf