Local analysts warn that California Gov. Gavin Newsom's hostility to the oil industry could lead to closures of local refineries, which in turn could push gasoline prices higher than $6 a gallon, or even $9 a gallon. [emphasis, links added]
KABC-7, a local ABC branch, reported:
According to USC professor Michael Mische, the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles could be closed by the end of the year, which would allow prices to soar above $6.
Mische added that if the Bay Area Valero refinery closes by the end of next year, that could send gasoline prices soaring to nearly $9 a gallon.
…
In response to the expected closure, a Gavin Newsom spokesman told KFC-TV that the governor has directed the state to strengthen cooperation with refineries to maintain a stable and affordable supply of gasoline.
Calmatters.org warned the closures of both refineries in April:
Valero is the latest announcement to the closure, announcing its “currently idle, reorganization or cessation of refining operations” at its Benicia refinery by the end of April 2026. The announcement comes after Phillips 66's decision to close its Southern California refinery, Newsom signed a two-day note at Newsom, requiring a bill to sign a bill to maintain a minimum limit on the gas layer.
California is an oil-fuel island that lacks pipelines that may introduce supplies from other states. In fact, Nevada and Arizona motorists rely on California fuel. If refineries continue to close, California may be forced to bring fuel from other countries through tankers, or acquire in-state refineries through purchase or seizure, and operate on its own during the transition period [to electric vehicles].
Newsom has demonized the oil industry for many years and has tried to ban the sale of gasoline-powered cars in the state. He accused the industry of price fraud during past price increases.
In response, the industry noted that California was once a pioneer in fossil fuels, a very expensive and difficult place to operate, thanks to strict emission standards, the cost of its “cap and trade” system and attempts to gradually eliminate fracturing.
A year ago, Breitbart News reported Newsom will engage in a “war” with the state's oil and gas industry, accusing Los Angeles of pump jackets for forcing old wells to be blocked due to local health issues.
Newsom declared: “They are cheating. They are using you all the time. … They are cheating you. They are the polluted heart of this climate crisis.He said oil work will be replaced by “clean energy” work.
Read more on Breitbart
