Gas Prices Set to Soar in Maricopa Following California Governor’s Controversial Law

Maricopa motorists should prepare for rising gas prices in the near future, according to insights from GasBuddy.com.

The anticipated increase is partly influenced by the recent announcement from Phillips 66, which plans to close its Los Angeles-area refinery by the end of next year. This decision arises from concerns over the future market, as reported by industry sources.

The closure comes shortly after California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law aimed at regulating the state’s oil industry. The legislation is designed to help prevent gas price spikes and save consumers money at the gas pump.

Under the new law, oil refiners in California will be required to maintain a minimum fuel inventory and plan for restocking during maintenance outages. Governor Newsom articulated that these measures will empower the state to combat the price spikes that cost consumers significantly over the years.

“We’re not waiting for the industry to act,” Newsom emphasized. “This legislation will ensure that refiners are prepared, reducing shortages that increase prices.”

However, experts warn that the law could backfire. Nicole Petersen from GasBuddy.com indicated that this regulatory environment might lead to more refinery closures in an already constrained market. As a result, California and neighboring states, including Arizona, may face fuel shortages and higher prices due to reliance on external fuel imports.

As prices usually decline in Pinal County, they are notably lower due to sourcing from Texas. Current gas prices in Eloy, for example, drop to as low as $2.79 per gallon, while Maricopa residents are paying an average of about $3.29 per gallon.

In addition, gas was priced around $3.09 per gallon in Chandler, while Costco offered a slightly higher rate of $3.15. Overall, the statewide average currently stands at approximately $3.27 per gallon, continuing a trend of higher costs on the West Coast and in regions like Hawai’i and parts of the Northeast.

Texas remains the most affordable state for gas, with prices as low as $2.68 per gallon, presenting a stark contrast to what Arizonans are experiencing at the pump.