California’s ‘Mad Max’ gas nightmare — with drivers to pay the price
California faces rising gas prices amid dwindling oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, exacerbating existing energy supply challenges. The state's reliance on foreign oil and unique fuel blend, combined with declining domestic production, has left drivers vulnerable to price hikes. While Governor Gavin Newsom blames federal policies, critics argue his administration's environmental regulations have worsened the crisis.
- ▪California depends on foreign oil due to the phase-out of local fossil fuel production.
- ▪The state mandates a unique fuel blend that cannot easily be replaced by out-of-state supplies.
- ▪Gas prices in California are nearly $3 per gallon higher than in neighboring Nevada.
- ▪Governor Gavin Newsom has been criticized for prioritizing green energy policies over energy security.
- ▪Refinery shutdowns and regulations under multiple California governors have contributed to the current energy crisis.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Opinion California’s ‘Mad Max’ gas nightmare — with drivers to pay the price By CA Post Editorial Board Published May 3, 2026, 9:18 p.m. ET It’s like a scene right out of “Mad Max”: The last precious barrel of oil from the Middle East has arrived in California. It’s aboard the Hong Kong-flagged “New Corolla,” at anchor at the Port of Long Beach, part of a final shipment of 2 million barrels, the last to make it past the Strait of Hormuz since the war began. California depends on oil from the Middle East, Asia and Latin America because our leaders have decided to phase out production here at home. And we don’t have an easy way to bring in oil from other states — except on roundabout routes. Now the real price hikes may start. Now the real test begins.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
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