California's gasoline excise tax increased July 1, raising the state tax by 2.2 cents per gallon to 63.4 cents, according to NBC 7 San Diego.

The increase is separate from federal taxes and other costs already built into pump prices. NBC 7 reported that the annual adjustment comes from 2017 transportation legislation that ties the state fuel tax to inflation and funds road repairs, highway maintenance and transportation infrastructure.

The local timing is hard to miss. AAA listed San Diego's average regular-gas price at $5.455 on July 2, with diesel averaging $6.497. That puts Santee and East County drivers among the California motorists paying well above the national average heading into the Fourth of July travel window.

For residents commuting on state Route 52, state Route 67, Interstate 8 or local arterials, the tax increase is small per gallon but lands on top of already high regional fuel costs. The practical advice is straightforward: compare nearby stations before filling up, combine trips when possible and expect holiday-weekend demand to keep pumps busy.

Source: NBC 7 San Diego reported the gas tax increase, citing state fuel-tax rules and AAA price data.