By the SEMA Washington, D.C. office
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued a Regulatory Advisory,
effective immediately, allowing the early adoption of winter-blend gasoline in response to fuel supply challenges and soaring prices in the state. Winter-blend gasoline is cheaper to produce and more plentiful than summer-blend gasoline, so switching early could save consumers at the pump.
This move follows a directive from Governor Gavin Newsom urging CARB to permit the production, importation, distribution and sale of winter-blend gasoline. The Advisory will remain in effect until midnight on October 31, 2023, unless superseded by further CARB regulatory action or advisories.
The current gasoline market in California faces challenges such as refinery maintenance, supply shortages and global crude oil price fluctuations.
For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.