Why California gas is so expensive (and it’s not just taxes)

When gas is expensive around the country, it’s really expensive in California. Why does the Golden State always have the highest prices at the pump? It’s not just our taxes (though there are definitely some of those). 

First off, geography is a big factor. 

“The West Coast is kind of a ‘Petro Island,'” explained Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. The Rocky Mountains cut off the West from the rest of the country, making it a tight and more secluded market.

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The first paragraph says it just not taxes, and down near the bottom it says Pennsylvania's gas taxes are higher. 

Big deal - California has the second highest gas tax in the US, but they're trying to play it like it's not a major factor.

Then they forgot to mention California's regularly scheduled refinery fires. That seems to happen at least once a year.