The final oil tanker from the Middle East has reportedly docked in Long Beach, putting the region's supply chain under pressure
Monday, May 4, 2026 2:44PMGas prices are at a four-year high and experts are warning they could climb even higher. The final oil tanker from the Middle East has docked in Long Beach, putting the region's supply chain under pressure.
According to a, it's the last shipment from the Strait of Hormuz to reach California. After that tanker leaves, it could be weeks or potentially months before the next one arrives from the Middle East.
"The war in Iran and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz has actually been buffered by the fact that all of these tankers were at sea at the time that the Strait of Hormuz closed," said UCLA Professor Michael Ross. "So all of that supply has still been making its way to consumers. This is the last shipment of that supply that was keeping prices relatively stable. So that should worry us.
" With that key shipping route disrupted by war, refineries are racing for other sources as local gas prices top $6 a gallon in some areas. The average price in California is $6.11,The war in Iran has already driven gas prices up over the last two months, but experts say the worst is yet to come.at the direction of President Donald Trump, beginning on Monday.
The mission is intended "to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said. The U.S. military role will be to extend a U.S. defensive umbrella over ships seeking to leave or enter the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official told ABC News. Project Freedom is not about providing escorts to ships, the official said.
"U.S. military support to Project Freedom will include guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms and 15,000 service members," CENTCOM said in its statement. Related Topics
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Glamorous SoCal inmate claims pervy sheriff deputy used jail records to stalk herToday's Video Headlines: 5/2/2026
Read more »
Live Updates For No. 20 Boston College Baseball's Middle Game of Series at ClemsonThe Eagles are looking to win their series against the Tigers on Saturday afternoon.
Read more »
$8.6 billion in arms sales approved for Middle East alliesThe State Department approved $8.6 billion in arms sales to U.S. allies in the Middle East on Friday, aiding military readiness as the Iran war continues.
Read more »
Doomsday for California as last barrel of oil from the Middle East arrives in Long BeachToday's Video Headlines: 5/3/2026
Read more »
Rep. Jason Crow says U.S. is 'not good at having off ramps' in Middle East conflictsDemocratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado said on Sunday that the U.S should be considering a broader question of strategy in the war with Iran.
Read more »
Election security top of mind for SoCal election officials ahead of June primaryAs we approach the upcoming June and November elections, the political rhetoric, lawsuits and legislation around how we vote have reached a boiling point.
Read more »