LOS ANGELES — California is getting another reminder of the volatility of its energy supply as shutdowns at several oil refineries have sent gas prices soaring, including to all-time highs Monday in Los Angeles.
At least five plants have recently faced maintenance-related stoppages or slowdowns, limiting supplies of California's special blend of gasoline mandated to reduce pollution.
And unlike the nationwide spike in gasoline costs this summer — driven by high oil prices and a surge in travel — the recent rise in gasoline prices is unique to California and some of its Western neighbors, underscoring yet again the fragility of the state's transitioning energy markets.
