California drivers face record-high gasoline prices, with some counties exceeding $7 per gallon. Industry experts blame state policies and global conflicts for supply bottlenecks, while lawmakers warn of potential security risks.
Under a cloudy sky, with the constant hum of highway traffic from State Route 99 in the background, Diksha, manager of a 76 gas station in Modesto, California , described the financial strain of soaring fuel prices.
She explained that while she usually fills her tank at Costco, the current cost is prohibitive.
"It's like $80 for two or three days, and that's a lot. Before, it was $80 for a week or a week and a half," she said. Gas prices across the state have reached unprecedented levels, with some stations in the agricultural heartland charging between $6.29 and $6.69 per gallon. The situation is even more severe in certain counties; on Tuesday, Mono County gas hit $7.07 per gallon, and Inyo County saw prices around $6.36.
For comparison, the statewide average for regular gasoline was $6.31 in San Francisco, $6.17 in Los Angeles County, and $6.14 in San Diego County. Diksha noted the stark difference with other states, saying, "Out of California, it's like $4," and added her relief at not owning a diesel vehicle, which was nearing $8 per gallon, consistent with AAA's reported statewide average of $7.75 for diesel. Industry representatives point to a complex mix of policy and global events for the crisis.
Jim Stanley, director of media relations for the Western States Petroleum Association, told The Center Square that long-standing state policy, which relies more on imported unrefined petroleum than domestic extraction, is exacerbating the problem. The ongoing conflict with Iran is creating a bottleneck in California's oil supply.
"It's a real challenge for California drivers," Stanley said, arguing that decades of regulations have made operating in the state difficult and expensive for oil and gas companies. He stated there is no simple solution, noting, "There really isn't a silver bullet or a lever the state can pull to bring down prices.
" National refining data shows a slight decrease in U.S. production; through May 15, the country refined 16.3 million barrels per day, 80,000 barrels less than the prior week's average, with refineries operating at 91.6% capacity and gasoline production averaging 9.3 million barrels that week. Stanley emphasized that members are focused on meeting energy needs but that supply crunches lead to price rises in a competitive global market.
The structural challenges are compounded by the gradual closure of California's oil refineries, which experts link to increased environmental regulations. According to information from the University of California, Berkeley's Haas School of Business, the state's remaining operational refineries are concentrated in Los Angeles, Richmond (near San Francisco), and Kern County. This raises concerns among lawmakers about energy security, especially as foreign oil supplies become less reliable.
Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, D-Stockton, author of a 2026 bill on E85 fuel, expressed alarm that the situation in Iran could worsen California's gas problems.
"We have to acknowledge that there is an international conflict," Ransom told The Center Square. "It definitely is a security issue, because not being able to access a vital fuel is really a security issue for California. So I'm very concerned about this.
" Despite these fears, gas stations on major highways like State Route 99 currently report no shortages. Diksha confirmed, "Right now, we don't have any shortages on that.
" Corporate representatives from major gasoline brands like Chevron and 76 did not respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, unrelated political news included a change of venue for a meeting originally set at Camp David to the White House due to weather, a health update on Bondi linked to a Trump AI advisory appointment, and a police appeal for public help identifying two men near a 2022 Rochester homicide scene
Gas Prices California Oil Supply Refineries Energy Policy Iran Conflict Import Dependency
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