Arizona receives almost all of its gasoline supply from California, primarily transported through a sophisticated pipeline network that ensures a continuous and efficient flow of fuel to the state.
The Primary Source: California Refineries
California serves as the predominant origin point for the gasoline consumed across Arizona. Refineries in California process crude oil into various petroleum products, including gasoline, which are then transported across state lines to distribution centers within Arizona.
The Backbone of Supply: Extensive Pipeline Networks
Pipelines are the most efficient and critical method for transporting large volumes of refined petroleum products like gasoline over long distances. This infrastructure is essential for Arizona, reducing reliance on less efficient modes of transport such as trucks or rail for the bulk of its fuel needs. For more general information on how petroleum products are transported, you can refer to resources from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Key Pipeline Systems Serving Arizona
Kinder Morgan, Inc. operates the crucial pipelines responsible for delivering the vast majority of Arizona's gasoline. Their robust network is integral to maintaining a consistent fuel supply from California's refining hubs to Arizona's major metropolitan and distribution areas.
One of the significant components of this vital system is the Kinder Morgan "West Line":
- Pipeline Specifications: This pipeline boasts a 20-inch diameter, indicative of its high capacity for fuel transportation.
- Origin Point: It originates in Watson, California, a key location for petroleum refining and distribution.
- Delivery Route: The pipeline extends southward to Yuma, Arizona, before changing direction and traveling northward to Phoenix, the state's largest city and a major consumption hub.
This integrated pipeline system ensures that gasoline refined in California effectively reaches consumers throughout Arizona, supporting the state's extensive transportation network and economic activities.
