Overview

In January 2026, Valero Refining Company - California (Valero) provided 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. 

Valero continues to carefully evaluate all strategic options for the Benicia assets and remains 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.

2023_Benicia_Ops_Map

Benicia By the Numbers

  • More than 400 employees
  • 170,000 barrels per day (bpd) throughput capacity
  • Benicia's cogeneration system can generate 50 megawatts of power. It produces both electricity and thermal energy or steam, and is recycled back into the refining process for other uses.
  • Nearly $7 million given to the United Way of the Bay Area since 2017

By the Numbers

Benicia Fast Facts

Refinery Products

The Benicia Refinery produces a range of petroleum products including CARBOB gasoline, diesel, CARB diesel, jet fuel and asphalt

  • California Air Resources (CARB) gasoline, California’s clean-burning fuel
    • Accounting for 10% of CARB used in California
    • Accounting for 25% of CARB used in San Francisco Bay Area
  • Asphalt Accounting for 45% of asphalt supply in northern California
Valero tanker truck

Building Stronger Communities

Benicia Operations

Environmentally Responsible Operations

  • Since 2000, Valero has spent $1.6 billion on infrastructure projects, such as flare gas recovery and reduced energy consumption, to improve air quality and enhance safety
  • The Benicia refinery captures clean sediment dredged from its dock area to raise the elevation of nearby subsided wetlands, which helps protect and recover wildlife and plant species
  • Increase energy efficiency from the cogeneration unit at the refinery
  • Reduced sulfur dioxide emissions by 95% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 55%
  • Robust air monitoring system in place with air quality information available online (link below)
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Benicia Refinery Air Quality
Environmental Stewardship

In Our Community

Benicia Employees Give Back

Valero volunteers at Loma Vista Farms

Volunteering Time

Employees have volunteered nearly 28,000  hours since 2017.

Valero Texas Open 2025

Charitable Donations

  • The Benicia Refinery gives more than $2 Million each year to local charities.
  • The Benicia Refinery has given nearly $20 Million to various community investments since 2017.
Benicia employee volunteering in the community

Community Partnerships

We partner with community organizations, including:

  • Benicia Community Action Club
  • Vacaville Boys & Girls Club
  • Rebuilding Together Solano County
  • Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano County
Valero fire truck and fireman

Safety Awards & Honors

  • American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) Innovation Award recipient for 2022 and also earned the Safety Achievement Award for 2020, 2021 and 2022
  • Recipient of the Valero Chairman’s Safety, Reliability and Environmental Awards
  • Participates in annual emergency preparedness drills with City of Benicia and other regulators

Local Information

  • About Benicia

    Founded in 1847, the Wild West town of Benicia went on to serve as the capital of California from 1853-1854 and has been home to notable figures such as author Jack London and professional baseball player Willie Calhoun. Today, more than 27,000 people on the Carquinez Strait in San Francisco Bay call Benicia home and partake in year-round cultural opportunities and recreational activities in scenic surroundings.

    In addition to its own charms, Benicia enjoys being centrally located between San Francisco, Wine Country, Silicon Valley, and Sacramento. 

    Learn More About Benicia

  • Things to Do in Benicia

    • Fine Arts & Craft Fair
    • Opening Day on the Straits
    • Classic Car Show
    • Waterfront Festival
    • Certified Farmers Market
    • Napa Valley - less than an hour away
    • Kayaking and paddleboard yoga on the Benicia Waterfront
    • Shoreline fishing (white sturgeon, starry flounder, striped bass, salmon)
    • Parks and Botanical Gardens
    • Cycling along the 50-mile Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop
    Things to Do in Benicia

  • Weather

    Benicia enjoys plenty of sunshine and warmth, ideal for outdoor activities. The winters are brief and mild with occasional rain showers. 

    Temperatures typically vary from 41°F to 83°F throughout the year.

    See the Weather in Benicia

  • Proximity to Major Cities

    • Concord: 15 miles
    • Fairfield: 25 miles
    • Napa: 30 miles
    • Oakland: 25 miles
    • Sacramento: 61 miles
    • San Francisco: 38 miles

  • Helpful Links

Contact Us

  • General Inquiries

    Have Questions or Comments?

    We care about your opinion and we’d love to hear from you!

    Paul Adler

    Director Community Relations & Government Affairs

    Valero Benicia Refinery

    3400 East 2nd Street

    Benicia, CA 94510

    (707) 745-7681
    Email
    Paul.Adler@valero.com