Kolkata: Will California, the most populous state in the US, turn into the poster boy of the results of the country’s war with Iran? This rhetorical question is becoming pertinent in view of the much higher prices of petrol the state is paying? Though US president Donald Trump s vowing to continue the fight against Iran and teach the country a lesson, the consumers in his own country are faced with a rise in retail petrol prices that have risen by 48 cents in a week to reach $3.48-$3.60 per gallon. This indicates to a sure of about 16-19% since the war began on Feb 28. But the worst hit has been California.
California worst hit
According to reports, California is the worst-hit state as far as petrol — gasoline in US parlance — are concerned and the prices are expected to rise, say experts. Due to their location and lack of pipeline supplies, refiners in California have to import crude oil from West Asia so much so that their imports account for about 50% of total imports from West Asia to the US.
It’s quite an irony as California which has been traditionally a top oil producing state, has come to depend on crude oil imports. The reason: some refineries closed down or begun producing renewable fuels.
Price line in California
This heavy reliance of crude imports form the Gulf region has cost the state dearly since Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz sending crude prices sharply north since the outbreak of hostilities on Feb 28. Reports say pump-level prices in the state are expected to reach $10 a gallon. On the other hand, jet fuel prices have surged 47% in just two weeks since the war.
The American Automobile Association has said that over the past one month, average regular gasoline prices in California rose in excess of 18%. On March 13, the retail price stood at $5.42 per gallon on Friday, while the national average was $3.63 per gallon. California drivers can be in for a rough deal as gasoline and diesel shortages can happen and prices can reach the levels of $10 per gallon, wrote energy economist Philip Verleger. California imported 128,000 barrels per day of petrol and additives in 2025, a lot of which was sent by India and South Korea.