EL SEGUNDO - Thursday night’s fire and explosion at the state’s second-largest oil refinery is likely to boost the Southland’s gasoline prices. How much will depend on how long the El Segundo refinery will be out of operation, officials said.

The historic Chevron refinery, which opened in 1911, produces approximately one-fifth of all motor vehicle fuels and 40% of the jet fuel consumed in Southern California. The Los Angeles Times noted the region already faces tight supplies due to limited refinery capacity in the state, which imports hundreds of thousands of barrels of gasoline daily.

An explosion and fire ignited massive flames that could be seen for miles and sent smoke across the South Bay.

Videos taken when the explosion occurred around 9:30 p.m. showed a massive fireball erupt amid a loud, extended roar. But over the next hour, the blaze died down considerably and the skies largely cleared while bright, strong flames continued to burn near the southern portion of Chevron’s plant.


El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel told KCAL that the fire never extended beyond the refinery grounds and that all personnel had been accounted for. The cause of the fire remained unclear, he added.

Story Date: October 9, 2025