Chevron refinery fire in El Segundo raises concerns over gas prices in Central California

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- A massive fire erupted Thursday night at the Chevron oil refinery in El Segundo, sending flames and thick plumes of smoke into the night sky and raising concerns about potential impacts on fuel supply and gas prices across California.

The blaze broke out around 9 p.m. at the refinery, which is the largest oil-producing site on the West Coast. While officials say there was no threat to the public and no injuries were reported, the incident has sparked questions about how the disruption could affect consumers.

Jim Price, a former operator at Gemini Flight Support who has decades of experience working with refineries, said the fire could have far-reaching consequences.

"This is going to be widespread," Price said. "People don't realize just how much of an impact that is until you actually lose the product."

Although the fire reportedly caused only minor damage, mostly confined to the jet fuel side of the facility, experts warn that even small disruptions can ripple through the supply chain.

Price said transportation costs could rise as fuel is rerouted from other sources.

"You're gonna wind up having to pay that extra cost of transportation or whatever it's going to be to get that product to you," he said.

Industry analysts estimate that gas prices could increase by as much as 15 cents per gallon in the coming days.

That's unwelcome news for drivers already feeling the pinch at the pump.

"It's gonna definitely make me think about little side trips I'm going to be taking around town," said Central Valley resident Kim Heyer.

"Every time I get paid, my check is pretty much gone," said Merced resident Simeah Najar. "Now that there's another gas increase again, it's a huge concern."

Najar, whose family works in the transportation industry, worries the impact could extend beyond the gas station.

"The price could increase for everything," she said. "Semi-trucks are the number one way we get goods and supplies."

Chevron has launched an internal investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Officials continue to monitor the situation and assess the full extent of the damage.

For news updates, follow Vince Ybarra on Facebook, X and Instagram.