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

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- A monolithic occurrence erupted Thursday nighttime astatine the Chevron lipid refinery successful El Segundo, sending flames and heavy plumes of fume into the nighttime entity and raising concerns astir imaginable impacts connected substance proviso and state prices crossed California.

The blaze broke retired astir 9 p.m. astatine the refinery, which is the largest oil-producing tract connected the West Coast. While officials accidental determination was nary menace to the nationalist and nary injuries were reported, the incidental has sparked questions astir however the disruption could impact consumers.

Jim Price, a erstwhile relation astatine Gemini Flight Support who has decades of acquisition moving with refineries, said the occurrence could person far-reaching consequences.

"This is going to beryllium widespread," Price said. "People don't recognize conscionable however overmuch of an interaction that is until you really suffer the product."

Although the occurrence reportedly caused lone insignificant damage, mostly confined to the pitchy substance broadside of the facility, experts pass that adjacent tiny disruptions tin ripple done the proviso chain.

Price said proscription costs could emergence arsenic substance is rerouted from different sources.

"You're gonna upwind up having to wage that other outgo of proscription oregon immoderate it's going to beryllium to get that merchandise to you," helium said.

Industry analysts estimation that state prices could summation by arsenic overmuch arsenic 15 cents per gallon successful the coming days.

That's unwelcome quality for drivers already feeling the pinch astatine the pump.

"It's gonna decidedly marque maine deliberation astir small broadside trips I'm going to beryllium taking astir town," said Central Valley nonmigratory Kim Heyer.

"Every clip I get paid, my cheque is beauteous overmuch gone," said Merced nonmigratory Simeah Najar. "Now that there's different state summation again, it's a immense concern."

Najar, whose household works successful the proscription industry, worries the interaction could widen beyond the state station.

"The terms could summation for everything," she said. "Semi-trucks are the fig 1 mode we get goods and supplies."

Chevron has launched an interior probe to find the origin of the fire. Officials proceed to show the concern and measure the afloat grade of the damage.

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