Update on Benicia Refinery
January 6, 2026 - Today, Valero Refining Company- California (Valero) is providing an update on its previously announced plans to idle, restructure, or cease refinery operations at the Benicia Refinery by April 2026. Valero is continuing with plans to safely proceed with idling refining operations at Valero’s Benicia Refinery. Valero will proceed with idling through a phased approach, starting with its processing units in February, due to required mandatory state inspections that cannot be deferred. The refinery will continue producing gasoline as it works down the inventories, but expects most refining process units to be properly idled by April.
We continue to carefully evaluate all strategic options for the Benicia assets and remain in close communication with state officials. Valero remains committed to fulfilling its contractual supply obligations in the California market and anticipates importing additional gasoline volumes to the Bay Area in the near term.
Valero expects to submit a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice as required by law. The company is taking care of its employees by offering Benicia staff the opportunity to transfer to another Valero location or receive outplacement service assistance during this period.
Valero will maintain normal operations at its Wilmington Refinery in Los Angeles County.
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