Average gas prices in Fresno rise while the national average remains steady

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – In Fresno, gas prices are up 47 cents from last month, while nationally, prices remain unchanged. Patrick De Haan, Head of Petroleum Analysis at Gas Buddy says there are two factors for this: a refinery fire that took place two weeks ago in the Bay Area and seasonal maintenance on refineries.

On top of that, Scott Cain, a former economics professor and fuel distributor for West Hills Oil, blames the lack of refineries for how prices constantly fluctuate in California. Just in the last week, gas prices in Fresno have increased by 26 cents.

“In the 1990s, we had 32 refineries in the State of California we have less than 20 now,” Cain said.

And that number is expected to dwindle further with Phillips 66 announcing plans to shut down their Los Angeles refinery later this year. That announcement came the day after Newsom signed a law requiring refineries to store excess gasoline to prevent supply shortages.

“A lot of the reason for why prices have gone up so much is because California policy has essentially derailed many refineries from doing business in recent years.” De Haan said.

“Thirty two billion dollars that citizens of the State of California are paying above and beyond their neighbors for gas,” Cain added.

Here in the Central Valley, Cain explains the strain this puts on farmers, which ultimately falls back on us, the consumers, through higher prices at the market.

“I don’t know if you know it, but farming is not real good right now. Almond prices are starting to return to normal, but they were in the toilet. So, you know, these guys are on a tight budget,” he said.

Gas Buddy predicts gas prices in California to peak in March or April, and then begin to slowly fall the rest of the year.