SACRAMENTO – On Monday the Board of Equalization (BOE) released California gasoline and diesel consumption figures for November 2010.

California gasoline consumption increased 2.6 percent in November 2010, and diesel fuel consumption increased 4.9 percent, compared with November 2009.

“California’s gasoline consumption fluctuated moderately for most of last year, which was consistent with last year's stable prices,” said Board Member Betty T. Yee. “However, price per gallon showed a continued upward price trend late last year and into the New Year. Consumption information for this period will be available in future reports.”

In November 2010, gasoline demand rose 2.6 percent when Californians used 1.20 billion gallons of gasoline compared to 1.17 billion gallons in November 2009.

The average California gasoline price at the pump in November 2010 was $3.20 per gallon compared to $3.01 in November 2009, a 6.3 percent increase.

The national average price for gasoline in November 2010 was $2.91 per gallon compared to $2.71 a year earlier.

Diesel fuel sold in California during November 2010 totaled 207 million gallons compared to November 2009’s total of 198 million gallons, which is an increase of 4.9 percent.

California diesel prices were $3.30 per gallon in November 2010 an increase of 11.5 percent compared to November 2009 when the average diesel price was $2.96 per gallon.

The national average price for diesel fuel in November 2010 was $3.14 per gallon compared to $2.80 a year earlier.

The BOE is able to monitor gallons through tax receipts paid by fuel distributors.

The figures reported monthly are net consumption that includes BOE audit assessments, refunds, amended and late tax returns, and State Controller’s Office refunds.

Figures for December 2010 are scheduled to be available at the end of March 2011.

All monthly, quarterly, and annual figures can be viewed at: www.boe.ca.gov/sptaxprog/spftrpts.htm.