Fireball Over El Segundo: Chevron Refinery Blaze Shakes Up California's Energy Supply

In a dramatic incident, a significant fire broke out at the Chevron El Segundo refinery near Los Angeles, threatening to disrupt California's secluded energy market. The refinery, Chevron's second-largest in the U.S., provides a substantial portion of motor vehicle and jet fuels to Southern California.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and all personnel are accounted for, said Chevron spokesperson Allison Cook. Despite the fire being contained, it continued to blaze into the early hours of Friday. The cause of the explosion remains unknown, but its proximity to Los Angeles International Airport raises concerns.

Although the fire may not heavily impact the global oil market, California gasoline prices could surge due to the state's disconnected fuel supply from other refining hubs. If the crisis prolongs, California might need to import fuel from Northeast Asia to meet its demands, pointed out industry analysts.