California leaders report four to six weeks worth of gasoline and diesel supply

原始链接: https://kmph.com/news/local/california-leaders-report-four-to-six-weeks-worth-of-gasoline-and-diesel-in-supply

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Californians are facing growing uncertainty at the pump after the state’s last major oil shipment from the Strait of Hormuz arrived in Long Beach on Monday, as leaders warn the state has roughly four to six weeks of fuel supply left under normal conditions.

The shipment was the last to leave the Strait of Hormuz since Iran closed it in February, forcing state officials and refinery operators to find new sources of crude while also trying to keep up with converting it into gasoline to meet consumer demand.

“The closure of all that capacity in California is kind of coming to roost right now because California refineries can't keep up with California demand,” said Ross Allen, a Chevron spokesperson.

Gas prices have continued to climb.

AAA reported the current average price in California is $6.11 a gallon.

The California Energy Commission said refiners are already working to adjust and report the state has a four to six weeks worth of gasoline and diesel in supply.

“We are working closely with refiners and are aware that they are identifying and using alternate routes and sources of crude. Diesel and gasoline inventory remains sufficient to cover roughly 4–6 weeks of demand under normal operating conditions, assuming no major unplanned outages," a CEC spokesperson said. “We are seeing gasoline imports improve the first week of May. If the gasoline imports trend continues, it may help lift other product imports as well.”

The California Energy Commission said refiners are already working to adjust and report the state has a four to six weeks worth of gasoline and diesel in supply (STATEMENT: CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION).

Allen said California’s reliance on imports leaves it exposed.

“California is in a tough spot because it does import a lot of its products,” Allen said. “About 20% of its jet fuel and about 25% of its gasoline comes from overseas refineries.”

But California is not the only place looking for supply.

Jodie Muller of the Western States Petroleum Association said competition intensifies during shortages.

“In a global shortage, every country is going to look inward first and then California is left bidding for what's left,” Muller said.

Muller said the current situation reflects longer-term vulnerabilities.

“It didn't start with this conflict; it just exposed the system that we've built through all of these decades of policies layered on top of each other,” Muller said.

If imports do not improve, concerns are rising about what conditions could look like within two months, including the possibility of long lines at gas stations.

Allen said companies are working to keep supply steady.

“Companies like Chevron and specifically I can speak for Chevron are working very, very hard to make sure that the energy supply is as affordable as possible, but more importantly, that it is reliable,” he said. “Nobody wants to see situations where there's, you know, lines for gas, you know, in California or anywhere else.”

In Fresno, prices have jumped in the past week.

The average price in Fresno is up 25 cents per gallon over the last week, according to GasBuddy.

The least expensive station in Fresno was $5.39 a gallon, while the most expensive was $7.15. Drivers are paying $5.84 in Modesto and $6.09 in Salinas.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said once the strait opens, “we'll be in a way better place,” but economists are skeptical. They believe reopening the strait would provide some relief, but damage to facilities in the region from Iranian missiles could keep gas prices elevated through the end of the year.

The state’s vulnerability is compounded by refinery constraints and the need for fuel beyond everyday drivers, including jet fuel for military bases and airports.

Allen also noted that the Jones Act waiver, enacted by the Trump administration, has been helpful for refinery companies by allowing them to pull resources from the U.S. Gulf Coast, though California would still be competing with other countries for those supplies.