Oil titans tear apart Gavin Newsom as California left ‘extremely exposed’ as last Middle East ship arrives: ‘What next?’
California faces a critical energy supply challenge after the last Middle East oil tanker arrived, amid disruptions caused by Iran's restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz. Oil industry leaders criticize Governor Gavin Newsom and state climate policies for reducing domestic production and increasing reliance on foreign oil. Experts warn of rising gas prices and supply shortages unless immediate action is taken to bolster in-state refining and energy infrastructure.
- ▪California refineries sourced about 30% of their foreign crude oil from the Persian Gulf last year.
- ▪The state has lost 18% of its refining capacity in the past eight months due to unfavorable policies, according to Chevron.
- ▪Oil industry groups blame California's climate regulations for driving dependence on Middle Eastern and Amazon-sourced oil.
- ▪Gas prices are rising as refineries scramble to find alternative oil supplies amid shrinking capacity and import disruptions.
- ▪The US Oil & Gas Association calls California's energy policy a 'one-party' failure that has made the state dependent on a fragile global supply chain.
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Metro exclusive Oil titans tear apart Gavin Newsom as California left ‘extremely exposed’ as last Middle East ship arrives: ‘What next?’ By Titus Wu Published May 4, 2026, 1:12 p.m. ET California’s oil industry tore into Democratic leadership on Monday after the last oil tanker arrived in the state, carrying fuel from the Middle East. Now, the state will face its first real test of how to replace 200,000 barrels of oil a day as Iran restricts the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz in its ongoing war with the US. Last year, based on state data, California refineries sourced around 30% of their foreign crude oil from the Persian Gulf.
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