Story perspectives

California Gasoline Supply Shifts to Imports Amid Refinery Closures

2/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

California's gasoline supply now relies on imports from the Bahamas, which supplied more than 40% in November 2025.
Refinery closures and high operating costs from environmental regulations drive this shift.
The Jones Act complicates domestic shipping, making foreign vessels more appealing.
Analysts expect the trend to continue as California's reliance on imports grows, especially with upcoming refinery closures, reflecting a broader issue in the U.S. fuel supply chain.

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Story summary

California's gasoline supply now relies on imports from the Bahamas, which supplied more than 40% in November 2025.
Refinery closures and high operating costs from environmental regulations drive this shift.
The Jones Act complicates domestic shipping, making foreign vessels more appealing.
Analysts expect the trend to continue as California's reliance on imports grows, especially with upcoming refinery closures, reflecting a broader issue in the U.S. fuel supply chain.