Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced a new proposal aimed at preventing gas price spikes caused by oil refiners’ maintenance practices. The plan would require refiners to maintain minimum fuel reserves, which could save Californians up to $650 million annually.

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The California Energy Commission would oversee the new rules, ensuring that refiners keep adequate supplies to prevent shortages that drive up prices. In 2023, refiners had less than 15 days of gas supply on 63 days, contributing to higher costs for consumers.

The proposal would require California’s petroleum refiners to present resupply plans and arrangements to the CEC that are sufficient to address production losses due to refinery maintenance. It would also authorize the CEC to mandate that refiners maintain adequate fuel inventory to ensure a stable fuel supply.

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The proposal also includes penalties for non-compliance. This move follows earlier reforms that reduced gas prices compared to previous years.

Tai Milder, director of the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight for the CEC, said, “The data is clear: oil refiners have been racking up profits by planning maintenance that reduces supply during our busy driving seasons.”

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Similar policies have been adopted in Australia, Japan, and the European Union to stabilize fuel supplies and prices.