$6 gas prices in California could worsen as the state’s last Middle Eastern oil shipment arrives. The supertanker *New Corolla* unloaded Iraqi crude in Long Beach, marking the final delivery via the Strait of Hormuz before geopolitical tensions halt further shipments. Analysts warn the disruption will strain drivers already paying the nation’s highest fuel costs.

California imports 75% of its oil, with one-third sourced from Middle Eastern nations like Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Decades of refinery closures and exodus of U.S. drillers have deepened dependency, leaving the state uniquely vulnerable. Officials stress the economic fallout from the Iran war will persist long after tankers resume operations.

With the Strait of Hormuz expected to reopen in months, restarting flows will take weeks to months, per GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan. The delay risks prolonged price spikes, amplifying pressure on consumers and businesses. Experts argue this crisis underscores systemic risks in energy infrastructure.

The shift highlights California’s precarious reliance on volatile global supplies. As domestic production dwindles, the state faces a stark choice: accelerate renewable energy adoption or endure escalating costs that could ripple across the U.S. economy.