Overview
- San Diego’s average for regular rose 4 cents Tuesday to $4.737 per gallon and diesel hit $5.052, while AAA reports the statewide average at $4.674 and the national average at $3.109.
- Brent crude has jumped more than $10 since the weekend strikes, closing near $81, and fuel experts say a $10-per-barrel move typically adds about 25 cents to pump prices.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom said his team planned for worst-case scenarios and blamed rising costs on “Trump’s war,” drawing pushback from industry groups that cite state policies and shrinking in‑state production.
- California’s vulnerability is heightened by refinery closures and import reliance, with Phillips 66 shuttered and Valero’s Benicia plant scheduled to close by late April, removing facilities that account for about 18% of capacity as 63.5% of crude processed comes from abroad.
- Analysts say inventories in California are relatively high for the season and note PBF’s Martinez unit is nearing completion of maintenance, though a prolonged conflict could tighten supplies and lift prices further.