Refinery closures are leading to higher gasoline imports in the U.S. West Coast

Refinery closures are leading to higher gasoline imports in the U.S. West Coast (PADD 5). With the wave of refinery closures in California, including the recent closure of Phillips 66’s 139,000 barrel per day (b/d) Wilmington refinery near Los Angeles, fuel suppliers have begun increasing gasoline imports to meet demand. Gasoline imports in the United States are typically highest during the summer driving season. In fall 2025, however, PADD 5 gasoline imports have surpassed even the summertime levels of previous years and reached an all-time high four-week average for the week ending November 22, 2025, in weekly data back to 2004.

Gasoline imports into California specifically averaged ~120 kb/d during the second and third quarters of 2025, nearly double the same period as 2024. Imports mostly come from Asia. India, South Korea, and Taiwan account for ~two-thirds of California’s gasoline imports. Next year, Valero plans to close its 145 kb/d Benicia refinery near San Francisco, which could result in continued high levels of gasoline imports into California.