Supply becomes tight as one refinery shuts down after the explosion and other refineries are doing seasonal maintenance. Plus, environmentally friendly summer blends cost money.
Experts say gas prices in Northern California will rise again on February 17th and are expected to continue to rise after explosions and firing at one of the remaining refineries in the state.
The incident had raised prices in Northern California and reduced refined gas, according to Gasbuddy’s head of oil analysis.
“The epicenter of the current challenge is Northern California,” De Hahn told The Epoch Times. “That’s a huge mess.”
Related Stories
The refinery closures also affected Southern California, Oregon, Nevada, western Arizona and Washington states, he said.
Other refineries are also undergoing regular maintenance, de Hahn said, reducing supply statewide.
Prices in the state will likely continue to rise, he said.
“I think the biggest increase is behind us, so that’s good news, but it will probably continue to rise in the next few days,” De Hahn said.
On November 28th, 2022, the Phillips 66 Los Angeles Refinery Wilmington Factory in Los Angeles County. Mario Tama/Getty Images
A month ago, the average state price reached $4.43, the AAA reported.
The highest prices were found in Northern California, with some averages reaching nearly $5.85 in Mono County and $5.20 in Mono County. Sonoma County reached nearly $5.30. Prices further north in Humboldt and Trinity counties rose to an average of nearly $5.40 on Monday.
The average cost in Los Angeles and Ventura counties was slightly lower, reaching around $4.78 and $4.79, respectively. The Orange and San Diego counties reached nearly $4.78 per gallon.
The switch to summer blends and seasonal maintenance on the heels of refinery explosions brought normal upward pressure on gas prices this month.
On May 15th, 2024, a gas station in Montebello, California. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
“These factors are pushing gasoline prices up, meaning consumers can see higher prices at the pump as a warm month approach,” the AAA wrote on February 13th.
The US national average has also increased slightly, but that was largely due to California’s cost jump and season, DeHaan said.
“It’s definitely possible in the next four or six weeks. The price could go above $5, but I don’t think it’s going to go far beyond that,” he said. “It’s hard to expect something unexpected.”
