Oil and Gas in El Monte's Daily Life
Despite California's rapid shift toward clean energy, oil and natural gas remain deeply woven into everyday life in El Monte. Natural gas heats homes, fuels water heaters and stoves, and powers commercial kitchens in the city's many restaurants. Gasoline and diesel fuel cars, delivery trucks, and logistics fleets traveling the I-10 and 605 freeways. Industrial businesses rely on natural gas for manufacturing processes, and propane serves backup and specialty needs.
The Los Angeles region has a long history in the petroleum industry, with refineries in El Segundo, Wilmington, Carson, and Torrance supplying much of Southern California's fuel. At the same time, the industry is evolving as the state pursues aggressive climate goals and encourages renewable fuels. Here are ten of the most significant oil and gas companies serving El Monte and the surrounding region.
1. Southern California Gas Company
SoCalGas is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility and the provider of natural gas to homes and businesses in El Monte. It maintains the pipeline network that delivers gas for heating, cooking, and industrial use. SoCalGas is also investing in renewable natural gas and exploring clean hydrogen to help reduce emissions from its system.
2. Chevron
Chevron operates the El Segundo Refinery, one of the largest refineries on the West Coast, producing gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel for Southern California. Chevron and Texaco-branded stations serve drivers throughout the San Gabriel Valley, and the company is investing in renewable fuels and lower-carbon technologies.
3. Marathon Petroleum
Marathon Petroleum operates the Los Angeles Refinery in Carson and Wilmington, a major source of transportation fuels for the region. It supplies fuel to many retail stations, including those operating under the ARCO brand, which is popular with value-conscious drivers in El Monte.
4. Valero Energy
Valero operates a refinery in Wilmington and supplies fuel to stations across Southern California. The company has also become a major producer of renewable diesel, reflecting the shift toward lower-carbon fuels required by California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
5. PBF Energy
PBF Energy owns the Torrance Refinery, a significant supplier of gasoline and other products to the Southern California market. Its operations contribute to regional fuel supply stability, which directly affects prices at El Monte gas stations.
6. Phillips 66
Phillips 66 has long operated refining assets in the Los Angeles area and supplies fuel through brands including 76, a familiar sight at San Gabriel Valley gas stations. The company has announced plans to transition its Los Angeles operations, reflecting broader changes in California's fuel market.
7. Shell
Shell-branded stations are common throughout El Monte and Los Angeles County, offering gasoline, diesel, and convenience retail. Shell also participates in California's energy transition through investments in electric vehicle charging and renewable natural gas.
8. California Resources Corporation
California Resources Corporation is the state's largest independent oil and gas producer, with operations including the Long Beach area. The company has also launched carbon capture and storage initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and supporting California's climate objectives.
9. AmeriGas
AmeriGas is one of the largest propane distributors in the country. Propane serves El Monte businesses for forklifts, outdoor cooking, backup heating, and specialty applications, and AmeriGas offers cylinder exchange and delivery services throughout the region.
10. Ferrellgas
Ferrellgas provides propane delivery and cylinder exchange through its Blue Rhino brand, available at many retail locations in the San Gabriel Valley. Restaurants, food trucks, and households use propane for grills, heaters, and portable equipment.
How Fuel Prices Affect El Monte
California gasoline prices are typically among the highest in the nation due to state taxes, environmental regulations, special summer fuel blends, and a limited number of in-state refineries. When a refinery experiences an outage, prices across Southern California can spike quickly. For El Monte commuters, delivery businesses, and families, fuel costs represent a significant share of household and operating budgets.
Natural Gas and Home Energy
Many El Monte homes rely on natural gas for heating and cooking. Winter gas prices can fluctuate based on supply, pipeline capacity, and weather. SoCalGas offers assistance programs for income-qualified households, including discounted rates and energy efficiency upgrades that help reduce monthly bills.
The Industry in Transition
California's climate policies are reshaping the oil and gas sector. The state plans to phase out sales of new gasoline-only passenger vehicles by 2035, and electrification of homes and buildings is accelerating. Refiners are converting facilities to produce renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Utilities are blending renewable natural gas captured from landfills, dairies, and wastewater facilities into their pipelines. These changes will gradually alter how El Monte residents fuel their vehicles and heat their homes.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
Natural gas safety is essential in any community. Residents should know how to recognize the smell of a gas leak, avoid using electrical switches if a leak is suspected, and contact their utility immediately. Before digging on any property, calling the free underground utility locating service helps prevent dangerous pipeline damage.
Looking Ahead
For the foreseeable future, oil and natural gas will continue to support transportation, heating, and industry in El Monte, even as cleaner alternatives grow. Understanding the companies behind these essential services helps residents and businesses make informed energy decisions during this period of transformation.