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

Source: Hacker News

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. Leaders warn the state has roughly four to six weeks of fuel supply left under normal conditions.

Last Shipment from the Strait of Hormuz

The shipment was the final one to leave the Strait of Hormuz after Iran closed it in February, forcing state officials and refinery operators to seek new crude sources while 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,” — Ross Allen, Chevron spokesperson

Fuel Supply Outlook

The California Energy Commission (CEC) said refiners are already adjusting and that the state has four to six weeks worth of gasoline and diesel inventory under normal operating conditions, assuming no major unplanned outages.

“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. 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.” — CEC spokesperson

Dependence on Imports

Allen highlighted California’s reliance on imported fuels:

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

Jodie Muller of the Western States Petroleum Association added that global shortages intensify competition:

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

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

Gas Prices

• Statewide average: $6.11 per gallon (AAA)
• Fresno average: $5.94 per gallon, up 25 cents in the past week (GasBuddy)
• Lowest price in Fresno: $5.39 per gallon
• Highest price in Fresno: $7.15 per gallon
• Nearby cities: $5.84 in Modesto, $6.09 in Salinas

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said once the strait reopens, “we’ll be in a way better place,” though economists caution that damage to regional facilities could keep prices elevated through the end of the year.

Industry Response

Allen emphasized ongoing efforts to keep supply steady and affordable:

“Companies like 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. Nobody wants to see situations where there are lines for gas in California or anywhere else.”

He also noted that the Jones Act waiver—enacted during the Trump administration—has helped refinery companies pull resources from the U.S. Gulf Coast, though California will still compete with other regions for those supplies.