California’s Jet Fuel Reserves Hit Three-Year Low as Global Oil Market Feels the Heat
California’s supply of jet fuel has fallen to its lowest point since 2023, a direct result of ongoing instability in the Middle East shaking up global oil markets. The California Energy Commission reports that as of April 17, the state’s jet fuel stock sat at just over 2.6 million barrels—down from 3.2 million barrels two years ago.
The state now gets 61.1% of its oil from foreign sources, mostly Asian refiners. That’s a big shift from the early 1990s, when nearly half came from local refineries. Researchers point to California’s strict air quality rules as the reason for this change. But that reliance on imports has become a vulnerability. The U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran has disrupted supply lines. Asia imported over 14 million barrels of Middle Eastern crude daily in 2025, and traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a key shipping lane—has dropped sharply.
Since the conflict escalated, jet fuel prices have surged. In early 2026, prices in major U.S. cities hovered around $2.30 a gallon. By late April, the national average hit $4.19. At Los Angeles International Airport, costs recently approached $15 a gallon, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“Jet fuel supply is tight globally,” said CEC spokesperson Sandy Louey. “California prices reflect that pressure, though the U.S. is better positioned due to domestic refining and crude supply that Europe lacks.” The CEC is monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with industry and state agencies.
Travelers are starting to feel the pinch. Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue have raised baggage fees, and some carriers have added fuel surcharges. Travel expert Clint Henderson of The Points Guy said he doesn’t expect planes to run out of fuel, but he does anticipate more canceled routes—especially shorter, less profitable flights. “We haven’t seen any letup in demand,” he said. “So you’ve got the same number of people wanting to travel, but fewer seats. That’s driving prices even higher.”