Part 6/12:
The effect of these refinery issues extends beyond the pump. Consumers are feeling the pinch as inflation rises across the board. Basic goods like meat and household essentials have also become significantly more expensive. The combination of rising fuel prices and inflation has many Californians and southwestern residents feeling increasingly financially strained.
Experts forecast that gas prices could continue to climb, with an additional 5 to 10 cents per gallon increase in the coming weeks. Long-term projections suggest that ongoing supply constraints could push prices even higher—potentially exceeding $5 per gallon in some regions—especially with further refinery closures and pipeline disruptions.