Overview

The Benicia Refinery is located northeast of San Francisco on the Carquinez Straits of San Francisco Bay. It processed sour crude oils into California Reformulated Gasoline Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending (CARBOB) and Conventional Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending (CBOB) gasolines, CARB diesel, diesel, jet fuel and asphalt. Gasoline production is primarily CARBOB, which meets CARB specifications when blended with ethanol. The refinery receives feedstocks via a marine dock and pipelines and distributes most of its products via pipeline and truck.

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
Valero tanker truck

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

Building Stronger Communities

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 Benefit for Children

Charitable Donations

  • The Benicia Refinery gives more than $1 million each year to local charities.
  • Over $18 million contributed to Northern California community stakeholders over the past 10 years.
Benicia employee volunteering in the community

Community Partnerships

We partner with community organizations, including:

  • Benicia Teen Center
  • Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
  • Benicia Community Action Council

Leaven Kids

Valero's support for Leaven Kids ensures a secure and nurturing after-school experience, benefiting children academically, socially, and emotionally. 

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The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano

Valero helps the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano County feed 465,000 people per month. 

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Loma Vista Farms

Through Valero’s investment, young children learn about farm animals at Loma Vista Farms. 

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Bay Area Crisis Nursery

Valero donates to Bay Area Crisis Nursery to help provide emergency shelter, childcare, food and diapers.

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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. 

  • 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
  • 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.

  • 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

  • In An Emergency

    Emergency Notifications

    Notification information to come.