California Gas Prices Soar, Nearing $7 a Gallon at Some Pumps

Gasoline prices in California have reached staggering heights, with some pumps nearing $7 a gallon. This week, a gas station in Southern California reported that regular fuel was priced at $6.89 per gallon, while supreme and diesel cost $7.19 and $7.29, respectively.

According to AAA data, the average cost at the pump in California is currently $6.032, making it the highest in the nation. This drastic increase in prices is primarily attributed to a series of refinery outages, disrupting the production and supply of gasoline.

Lipow Oil Associates President, Andy Lipow, pinpointed various factors contributing to this surge in prices. He identified the Hurricane Hilary-induced power outages as the initial cause, followed by problems at Chevron refineries in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, as well as other locations. Additionally, scheduled maintenance at the PBF Torrance refinery in Torrance has further exacerbated the situation.

California heavily relies on in-state refineries for its gasoline consumption, with approximately 90% of the fuel being produced locally. Therefore, significant unplanned refinery outages have a direct impact on the price at the pump.

These soaring gas prices in California are significantly higher than the national average, which currently stands at $3.835. Surprisingly, Mississippi boasts the lowest state average for a gallon of gas, with regular costing an average of $3.255.

As consumers continue to feel the pinch at the pump, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether any measures will be implemented to alleviate the burden on Californians.