Jet fuel reserves in California hit their lowest level in two years, with a 25% drop, raising concerns ahead of the summer, when the Golden State will welcome hundreds of thousands of tourists for the 2026 World Cup.
Last week, California had a reserve of 2.6 million barrels, down from a peak of more than 3.5 million barrels recorded last year.
The California Energy Commission, the body that monitors fuel inventory, indicated that current stocks of jet fuel are “within historical ranges” and, although the level is tight, “a structural deficit has not yet emerged,” according to a spokesperson cited by Los Angeles Times.
However, the possibility of continued conflict in the Middle East puts California at risk of facing shortages and an increase in airline tickets.
The state boasts “oil island” status as it lacks pipelines connecting its refineries to other U.S. oil-producing states, forcing it to import 60% to 70% of its oil from abroad.
The Golden State sources 20% of its jet fuel from abroad, primarily from Asian countries like South Korea, according to data from the California Energy Commission.
Andy Walz, who heads Chevron’s oil refining, pipeline and chemicals business, told The Wall Street Journal that a deficit “is likely” to emerge in the coming months in California and that at “some point” reserves will be depleted.
More than 1.2 million international visitors are projected to travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, according to research firm Tourism Economics. Two stadiums in California will host 14 games in total.