Tosco reported problems at a refinery.

The Santa Monica-based independent gasoline and oil refiner said that it is experiencing operating difficulties at certain units of its Avon, Calif., refinery. As a result, there will be a reduction in production for the month of December and an increase in fuel oil production. Although improved product margins in early December will offset somewhat the reduced gasoline production, results for December are expected to be adversely affected. The refinery currently expects to resume full operations early this week.