California's oil refineries are closing at a fast pace, threatening to drive up gasoline prices in what is already one of the most expensive places to fuel up in the United States.

In the Los Angeles area, a complex is preparing to stop turning oil into gasoline by the end of the year. Another refinery outside San Francisco is poised to shut down next spring.

If both close, California will lose around 18% of its refining capacity, and prices at the pump are likely to rise. Forecasts for how much vary from around a dozen cents to several dollars per gallon. Regular gasoline averaged $4.65 a gallon in the state Monday, substantially higher than the national average of $3.18, according to the AAA motor club.

The threat of higher fuel prices is upending energy politics in the state, which i

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