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California's Six-Week Fuel Buffer Threatened by Hormuz Closures

5/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jody Mueller of Western States Petroleum Association told California lawmakers the association has six weeks of fuel and could see price spikes if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed.
Mueller warned the cap-and-invest plan ending in 2029 provides no certainty for refinery investment.
She noted California’s gasoline prices are the nation’s highest, even above Hawaii, and a gas-tax holiday would only lower prices temporarily without gaining support.

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Story summary

Jody Mueller of Western States Petroleum Association told California lawmakers the association has six weeks of fuel and could see price spikes if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed.
Mueller warned the cap-and-invest plan ending in 2029 provides no certainty for refinery investment.
She noted California’s gasoline prices are the nation’s highest, even above Hawaii, and a gas-tax holiday would only lower prices temporarily without gaining support.