A fire broke out on October 2, 2025, at Chevron’s 285,000-barrel-per-day El Segundo refinery in California. Starting in the jet fuel unit, the blaze forced a near-total shutdown by Friday.
Fuel Supply Impact
This major refinery powers 20% of California’s vehicle fuel and 40% of Southern California’s jet fuel, including for Los Angeles International Airport.
Mayor Karen Bass reported no immediate disruptions to LAX.
Fire Details
The fire started in the Isomax 7 unit, which turns mid-distillate into jet fuel. It also stopped the reformer and catalytic cracker, slashing over 100,000 barrels daily of gasoline, per industry experts.
Emergency Response
Chevron’s fire team, with El Segundo and Manhattan Beach support, contained the fire.
“Everyone is safe, with no injuries,” said spokesperson Allison Cook. Nearby residents avoided evacuation, but Manhattan Beach locals sheltered until 2 a.m.
Price Concerns
On October 3, gasoline futures edged up 0.3% to $1.86 per gallon, with crude oil rising 1%. California’s unique fuel market may face price spikes, though global oil markets should stay stable.
Supply Challenges
With Phillips 66’s Los Angeles refinery closing by December, fuel shortages loom. Imports from South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, supplying 90,000 barrels daily of jet fuel in 2025, could ease the strain.
Local Impact
Residents posted videos of an orange sky from the fire and safety flare, used to burn excess fuel. A 9:30 p.m. explosion shocked locals, recorded by a university camera.
Investigation Ahead
Safety agencies will probe the fire’s cause after it’s fully extinguished. The refinery, storing 12.5 million barrels, faced a smaller fire in 2022 that was quickly managed.
Why It Matters
This fire exposes weaknesses in California’s fuel supply, threatening costs and availability in an isolated market.
What’s Next
Chevron will evaluate damage in October 2025, as California braces for potential reliance on imported fuel.
