Gas prices in California could hit $8/gallon as two refineries shut down

The way Gipson sees it, the state should do everything it can to ensure that its remaining refineries stay in California.

"These companies have been working to make sure they meet these standards, these goals and objectives that the regulatory agencies and legislature have set."

With California processing about 24% of its own crude oil needs but consuming a far greater share — some 13.1 million gallons daily — the impact of these closures is significant:

California drivers already pay the highest gas prices in the nation — around $4.85 per gallon, significantly greater than the $3.16 national average.

With less local supply, experts warn of a potential impact that could range from modest spikes (less than $1 per gallon) to more dramatic spikes if supply disruptions occur. One particular analysis forecasts prices could even soar over $8 per gallon by late 2026.

“California can ill afford the loss of one refinery, let alone two,” said USC Professor Michael Mische in a May 2025 report.

With fewer local refineries, the state will rely heavily on imported fuel — both from other U.S. regions and overseas — which would escalate shipping costs and increase emissions from tanker vessels at the ports as well as possibly the other refineries where the imported oil originates.

And yet the same assholes ripping CA for needless environmental regulations will be bitching about the awful air quality and smog in CA, i.e. Republicans and MAGAts.

The driving and commuting culture in California needs to change.

A look at the Valero "Meet Our Executive Team" webpage leads me to think they would vote for Trump and would hate Newsom.

Well that sucks. It might have something to do with Newsom's zero-emissions mandate too (which Trump has blocked for now). I don't want higher prices but as a kid i remember the air pollution in what is now silicon valley and it was nasty. We still have some of the worst air in the country:

Because of its highly polluted air and large population, Congress gave California the power to set its own, more stringent vehicle standards under the 1967 Clean Air Act. But before those standards can take effect, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must grant the state a waiver for each one.

Commiefornia and its overregulation and taxation continue to drive businesses away...

Pretty soon, it'll be a third-world state with just illegal immigrants and chaos.

It’s a desert. California is not meant for humans. People are idiots.

The whole of California is a desert R7?

I want more pollution!

Yes R6 and R7, California is terrible you should not come here.

[quote] it's a desert

Just this morning I tripped over a cactus, was smacked by a tumbleweed and a dingo ate my baby.

Didn't big chunks of LA burn uncontrollably for days?

R12 That doesn't mean it's a desert.

But yeah, we have a lot of desert land, most of it is beautiful and unique.

R7, Approximately 38% of California is desert. Even LA's hot San Fernando Valley doesn't qualify as a desert. It's got a semi-arid to Mediterranean climate.

That being said, I agree, R3.

I remember LA's filthy brown air in the late 1970s, when you weren't even aware that the city was surrounded by mountains. Now you are.

For the time being, only.

[quote]The way Gipson sees it, the state should do everything it can to ensure that its remaining refineries stay in California.

But they most certainly WON'T.

Watch any episode of 70s shows like CHiPs. Soggy AF in LA-you couldn't see the mountains most days.

^ Smoggy

Commiefornia? So clever! 🙄🙄🙄

R6 how can they be so shortsighted?