SACRAMENTO, Calif. (FOX26) — The California Energy Commission (CEC) says it does not have the authority to directly control retail gasoline prices, responding to criticism from consumer advocacy groups over rising fuel costs.
In a statement provided to FOX26, CEC staff explained that gas prices are primarily driven by global crude oil markets and regional supply conditions.
The California Energy Commission does not set retail gasoline prices.
Instead, the CEC is focused on strengthening market transparency and monitoring supply conditions under laws passed during Governor Gavin Newsom’s special session, including Senate Bill X1-2 and Assembly Bill 2-1.
According to the agency, these efforts have helped California avoid severe price spikes like those seen in 2022, with retail gasoline prices remaining more stable in 2025 compared with previous years.
The CEC also emphasized the importance of imports to maintain reliable supply, particularly when in-state refineries are offline for maintenance or unexpected outages.
The agency noted that the P66 Wilmington facility is no longer refining and is relying on imports, Valero Benicia plans to idle production while supplementing supply with imports, and the PBF Martinez refinery is expected to return fully online this spring following a fire.
“Global crude markets are increasingly influenced by geopolitical instability and global disruption, which pushes up crude and prices in California,” the CEC says. “Recent severe winter weather also disrupted crude production and logistics, adding upward pressure on prices.”
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While consumer advocacy groups like Consumer Watchdog have called on the CEC to act, the agency says its role is focused on oversight, transparency, and supply management, rather than setting prices at the pump.