Gas prices are spiking worldwide as the war in Iran and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz cause major disruptions to the transport of about a fifth of the world’s oil. In an attempt to improve access and reduce prices, many countries are tapping into oil reserves, and the U.S. has even lifted some sanctions on Russian exports. But costs remain high, especially in California, where drivers pay the highest prices in the nation. Now, the Trump administration is restarting an oil pipeline that’s been offline since a major Santa Barbara spill in 2015. We look at the impact of the war on California’s oil industry and on you: How have you been affected by rising gas prices?

Guests:

Severin Borenstein, professor and faculty director of The Energy Institute, UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business

Alejandro Lazo, climate reporter, CalMatters

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices