Overview
- California refineries are conducting maintenance and shifting to summer‑blend gasoline, a routine transition that raises costs and trims output.
- Oil prices jumped Monday after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, with U.S. crude up 6.3% to $71.23 a barrel and Brent up 6.7% to $77.74.
- Many tankers are avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one‑fifth of global oil, increasing supply risk and price volatility.
- AAA lists California’s average at roughly $4.65 per gallon, and GasBuddy expects a temporary 10 to 30 cent rise for Southern California as the changeover continues.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom warned of higher energy costs linked to the Iran campaign, while Republican critics faulted state policies for greater reliance on imported crude.