03/28/2024

Gas Prices to Stay High as Exxon Mobil Refinery Woes Drag On

The refinery that has historically produced about a fifth of Southern California’s gasoline has been crippled since a February explosion — and may stay that way for months to come.

The trouble at Exxon Mobil’s refinery in Torrance is a major factor pushing up regional gas prices, which have risen dramatically this month. Restoring the site to full capacity is among the best hopes for bringing prices back down, according to analysts.

The Torrance refinery currently operates at less than 20% of its capacity, said Mohsen Nazemi of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Exxon Mobil asked the management district for approval to use an old pollution control unit it replaced in 2008 to temporarily restore full operations of the Torrance refinery, but regulators said the equipment does not capture emissions well enough. Emissions from the older unit would violate state regulations and rules.

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