Скачать или смотреть Valero Benicia Halt Exposes Crisis; California Governor Faces Backlash

California's energy infrastructure faces unprecedented pressure as Valero Energy begins winding down operations at its Benicia refinery ahead of a permanent April 2026 closure. This facility processes 145,000 barrels of crude oil daily, supplying gasoline to millions of Northern California drivers. The shutdown adds to mounting supply concerns following the Phillips 66 Los Angeles refinery closure announcement and the recent San Pablo Bay pipeline shutdown.
This analysis breaks down exactly what the Valero closure means for California gas prices, why refineries keep leaving the state, and what scenarios could unfold over the coming months. We examine the systemic factors driving refinery exits, the political pressure building on state leadership, and the practical implications for consumers at the pump.
The content presented here synthesizes publicly available information from company announcements, regulatory filings, and expert analysis. Price projections discussed represent scenario-based assessments, not guaranteed predictions. This analysis is for general informational purposes.