The recent fire at Chevron's massive Richmond California refinery is having a dramatic impact on San Diego gas prices. The refinery produces roughly 13.5% of California's gasoline and diesel fuel and prices have risen at retail by 7¢ a gallon since news of the explosion on Tuesday.
Our analysis of wholesale prices charged to independently owned gas stations shows that most dealers can't buy gas and break even for less than $4 a gallon. At the time of this writing, gasoline averages $3.94 a gallon in San Diego, with prices climbing.