SoCal Gas Natural Gas Station Network Expands But Gaps Persist
What Is the SoCal Gas Natural Gas Station?
The SoCal Gas natural gas station refers to SoCalGas' public-access compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling facility at 1471 E. Elm Street in Compton, California (ZIP 90221), operated as the SoCalGas Compton Base heavy-duty station. It is one of 16 public CNG stations SoCalGas operates across Southern California, open 24/7 for natural gas vehicle fleets and accepting Visa, MasterCard, Voyager, American Express, Wright Express, and Discover-but not cash.
Key Facts About the Compton Base Station
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | SoCalGas Compton Base |
| Address | 1471 E. Elm Street, Compton, CA 90221 |
| Station Type | Heavy Duty CNG |
| Hours | 24 hours daily, 7 days/week |
| Current Pump Price | $1.78 per GGE (gasoline gallon equivalent) |
| Accepted Payment | Visa, MasterCard, Voyager, Amex, Wright Express, Discover |
| Phone | 800-427-2000 |
Why Fleet Users Report Coverage Frustration
Fleet operators relying on the SoCal gas natural gas station network frequently cite limited public access coverage as a primary operational constraint. While Southern California has one of the best CNG refueling networks in the U.S. with nearly 200 stations statewide, only 16 are publicly operated by SoCalGas, creating geographic gaps between major freight corridors like the Ports of Long Beach/Los Angeles and Inland Empire warehousing hubs.
Research surveyed 133 CNG fleet drivers at six Los Angeles-area public stations, finding nearly one-third were solely reliant on public CNG infrastructure-making station availability, uptime, and payment compatibility critical for daily operations. Many stations require fleet card setup or have restricted access after hours, complicating multi-stop logistics for Class 8 tractors and heavy-duty vocational trucks.
CNG Network Context in the LNG Value Chain
While SoCalGas focuses on compressed natural gas (CNG) for light- to heavy-duty vehicles, the broader liquid LNG industry serves long-haul trucking, maritime, and industrial applications requiring higher energy density. As of late 2025, the U.S. had 1,385 operational CNG stations and only 81 LNG dispensing stations, with California leading nationally at 318 CNG facilities.
Clean Energy Fuels Corp., the largest RNG/CNG provider in North America, operates over 600 stations in the U.S. and Canada, with nearly all offering renewable natural gas (RNG). In Q1 2024, the company reported owning or supplying 579 U.S. stations and 24 Canadian stations, supporting fleets seeking carbon-negative fuel options.
- Verify your NGV's fuel type compatibility (CNG vs. LNG)
- Check real-time pump prices at SoCalGas CNG Prices page
- Confirm station hours and payment card acceptance before departure
- For fleet accounts, contact 800-427-2000 to set up Wright Express fleet card
- Consider home refueling appliances for residential NGV owners
Station Locations Across SoCalGas Service Area
SoCalGas public CNG stations span Southern California from San Diego to Santa Barbara, with heavy-duty facilities in freight-intensive corridors including Fontana, Ontario, Carson, and Garden Grove. Key locations supporting goods-movement fleets include the Los Angeles International Airport station (10400 Aviation Blvd) and Port of Long Beach partner facilities.
- Azusa Base: $1.64/GGE, 950 North Todd Avenue
- Bakersfield: $1.61/GGE, 35118 McMurtrey Ave.
- Fontana: $1.63/GGE, 16231 Valley Boulevard
- Garden Grove Base: $1.64/GGE, 12698 Industry Street
- Menifee (Romoland): RNG-only station opened November 2021
What are the most common questions about Socal Gas Natural Gas Station Network Expands But Gaps Persist?
How Many CNG Stations Does SoCalGas Operate?
SoCalGas operates 16 public-access CNG stations across its Southern California service area, with 24-hour availability at most locations. The broader California network includes nearly 200 public natural gas fueling stations statewide.
What Is the Current CNG Price at SoCalGas Stations?
As of the latest published data, SoCalGas CNG prices range from $1.61 to $1.78 per GGE across its public stations. The Compton Base specifically posts $1.78/GGE, generally costing less per gallon equivalent than gasoline or diesel. Under the CARB LCFS program, SoCalGas receives low-emissions credits that further lower fuel prices at its 16 public stations.
Does the Compton Station Accept Cash?
No. SoCalGas public CNG stations do not accept cash. Payment must be made via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) or fleet cards (Voyager, Wright Express).
Can I Install Home CNG Refueling?
Yes. Residential SoCalGas customers can install a CNG home refueling appliance to conveniently refuel natural gas vehicles overnight. This option eliminates dependence on public station coverage and is particularly valuable for light-duty NGV owners with predictable daily mileage.
What Is the Environmental Impact of RNG Fuel?
Renewable natural gas (RNG) produced from landfill methane, dairy farm waste, and wastewater achieves carbon-negative emissions when used in transportation. California's RNG-fueled fleets marked 5 years of carbon-negative transit in 2025, with 86% of transportation natural gas coming from RNG sources nationally.
