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Valero Refinery Closure to Spike California Gas Prices

2/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The unexpected closure of Valero's Benicia refinery and Crimson Pipeline outage will raise California gas prices.
In January, California gas averaged $4.23 per gallon, with costs 26–37% higher than the national average.
California lawmakers passed Assembly Bill 1421 to study a mileage tax to address a nearly $3 billion budget deficit as drivers go electric.
The closure and outage are expected to push fuel prices higher.

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Story summary

The unexpected closure of Valero's Benicia refinery and Crimson Pipeline outage will raise California gas prices.
In January, California gas averaged $4.23 per gallon, with costs 26–37% higher than the national average.
California lawmakers passed Assembly Bill 1421 to study a mileage tax to address a nearly $3 billion budget deficit as drivers go electric.
The closure and outage are expected to push fuel prices higher.