Argus Introduces El Paso Diesel and Gasoline Prices Amid West Coast Supply Shift
Event summary
- Argus Media launched new price assessments for diesel and gasoline in El Paso, Texas on August 11, 2026.
- The move responds to California refinery closures removing 285,000 b/d of capacity (17% of state's refining base).
- El Paso has become a key supply hub connecting Gulf Coast and midcontinent refiners with Arizona demand.
- Proposed pipeline expansions could add up to 200,000 b/d of new westbound capacity through El Paso.
The big picture
The launch reflects a structural shift in western US fuel markets driven by California refinery closures. Argus is positioning itself to provide price transparency in this evolving supply chain, where El Paso is emerging as the critical connection point between eastern refiners and western demand centers including Arizona and Mexico.
What we're watching
- Infrastructure Development
- The pace at which proposed pipeline expansions will be completed and their impact on El Paso's role as a supply hub.
- Market Transparency
- How Argus' new price assessments will affect trading dynamics between Arizona buyers and Gulf Coast/midcontinent refiners.
- Regional Supply Dynamics
- Whether El Paso can sustain its position as the balancing point between central US refining capacity and west coast demand.