Refinery Blast, Summer-Blend Rule Drive Up California Gas Prices

Supply is tight because one refinery shut down after an explosion and others are doing seasonal maintenance. Plus, the eco-friendly summer blend is costlier.

A man pumps gas on Oct. 2, 2023, in Alhambra, Calif. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Gas prices in Northern California rose again on Feb. 17 and are expected to continue increasing after an explosion and fire at one of the state’s remaining refineries, according to experts.

An explosion and fire earlier in the month at the Martinez Refining Co. in Martinez, about 40 miles northeast of San Francisco, left six workers injured and the community shaken, according to the company.