Newsom asks CA state board to suspend summer gas blend amid price spike

Relief from high gas prices could be on the way.

The Environmental Protection Agency allowed an annual switch to cheaper, winter-blended fuels beginning Sept. 1, a couple of weeks earlier than normal. The change could save up to 15 cents a gallon, according to data from the National Association of Convenience Stores.

But California sets its own stricter environmental fuel standards. In many parts of the state, summer-blended fuel is required through Oct. 31.

Gov. Gavin Newsom ended the summer fuel requirement Monday, citing a recent state law that requires a reevaluation of regulations when retail gas prices rise substantially.

It's cheaper, but not as clean-burning as the summer blend. Experts say it's not just the blend that's causing a spike at the pump.

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"California is seeing a low-level refining issue and that is impacting gasoline prices in California, Arizona and certainly Nevada. Those states could see further increases," said Patrick De Haan, head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy.

California's average price for a gallon jumped again this week by two cents, averaging at $6.38 a gallon - which is getting close to the all-time record of $6.44.

Nationwide, the average actually went down two cents this to $4.45 a gallon.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.