Oil and Gas in the Southern San Joaquin Valley
Visalia sits just north of Kern County, which has historically produced the majority of California's crude oil. The regional energy economy includes oil production, refining, natural gas distribution, fuel wholesaling, and propane delivery. For Tulare County, these companies provide essential services, fueling farm equipment, delivery trucks, school buses, and homes, while supporting jobs throughout the Central Valley.
The industry is also evolving as California pursues aggressive climate goals. Many energy companies are investing in carbon management, renewable fuels, and efficiency improvements while continuing to supply the fuel that the region's agricultural and logistics economy depends on today. Below are ten oil and gas companies that play important roles in serving Visalia.
The Top 10 Oil and Gas Companies Serving Visalia
1. California Resources Corporation
California Resources Corporation is the largest oil and gas producer in California, with extensive operations in the San Joaquin Valley. Following its merger with Aera Energy, it controls a large share of the state's production and is also developing carbon capture and storage projects through its Carbon TerraVault initiative.
2. Chevron
Chevron has a long history in the San Joaquin Valley, particularly in Kern County oil fields. It supplies fuel through a widespread network of branded stations in Visalia and invests in lower-carbon technologies, including renewable fuels and carbon capture research.
3. SoCalGas
SoCalGas is the natural gas utility serving Visalia homes and businesses. It delivers gas for heating, cooking, water heating, and industrial processes, and it is increasingly involved in renewable natural gas and hydrogen initiatives that could reshape the future of gas service.
4. Kern Oil and Refining
Kern Oil and Refining operates a refinery in the southern San Joaquin Valley, producing gasoline and diesel for regional markets. Its local production supports fuel supply reliability for Central Valley communities and agricultural operations.
5. Hunt and Sons
Hunt and Sons is a well-established California fuel and lubricant distributor serving agricultural, commercial, and fleet customers. Visalia-area farms and businesses rely on it for bulk fuel delivery, lubricants, and fleet fueling solutions.
6. Van De Pol Petroleum
Van De Pol Petroleum is a Central Valley distributor of fuels, lubricants, and related services. Its experience with agricultural customers and industrial clients makes it a dependable supplier for businesses throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
7. AmeriGas
AmeriGas is one of the largest propane suppliers in the United States. Rural Visalia-area homes and farms without natural gas service use AmeriGas for heating, cooking, and equipment fueling, supported by scheduled deliveries and tank services.
8. Suburban Propane
Suburban Propane provides propane delivery, tank installation, and service to residential, commercial, and agricultural customers. It also invests in renewable propane and other lower-carbon fuels, reflecting California's energy transition.
9. Ferrellgas
Ferrellgas delivers propane for homes, businesses, and agricultural operations, and it offers cylinder exchange through retail partners. Its service network supports Tulare County customers who need reliable fuel for heating and equipment.
10. ARCO
ARCO is a widely recognized fuel brand in California with numerous stations in Visalia. Known for competitive pricing, it is a popular choice for commuters and small business fleets across the Central Valley.
The Role of Oil and Gas in the Local Economy
Energy companies support thousands of jobs in the southern San Joaquin Valley, from field operations to trucking and retail. Agriculture relies heavily on diesel for tractors, harvesters, and transportation, and many rural homes depend on propane. Reliable fuel supply is therefore critical to Visalia's economic stability, particularly during harvest season.
Industry Trends and the Energy Transition
California's climate policies are pushing oil and gas companies toward lower-carbon operations. Carbon capture and storage, renewable diesel, renewable natural gas from dairies, and hydrogen are all gaining attention. Many companies are diversifying their businesses to remain competitive while continuing to meet current energy demand.
How to Choose a Fuel or Propane Supplier
For businesses and farms, compare delivery reliability, pricing structures, contract terms, and emergency service availability. Ask about fuel management systems, tank monitoring, and whether the supplier offers renewable fuel options. Homeowners using propane should consider automatic delivery, budget billing, and safety inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Visalia have natural gas service? Yes. Most homes and businesses within the city are served by SoCalGas, while some rural properties outside the service area rely on propane.
Are renewable fuels available locally? Renewable diesel and renewable propane are increasingly available through distributors in the Central Valley, offering lower-carbon alternatives that work in existing equipment.
Safety and Environmental Responsibility
Leading energy suppliers invest heavily in safety training, leak detection, and spill prevention. Homeowners and businesses should also do their part by scheduling regular inspections of gas appliances and propane tanks, installing carbon monoxide detectors, and knowing how to shut off gas service in an emergency. Choosing a supplier with a strong safety record and responsive emergency support is one of the most important decisions a fuel customer can make.
Conclusion
Oil and gas companies remain vital to Visalia's agriculture, transportation, and households. The companies above provide the reliable energy supply the region depends on while adapting to a changing energy future in California.