NEW YORK (Reuters) -California's fuel imports rose to the highest in four years in May as refiners turned to historical trading partners in Asia and tapped some unusual routes to make up for shortages in the No.2 U.S. oil consumer state, according to shipping data and traders. The rise in shipments to California offers an early look at the future of the biggest gasoline and jet fuel markets in the U.S., which are expected to become more reliant on imports after Phillips 66 and Valero close two major refineries in the state by next year, amid growing regulatory and cost pressures, and declining demand for gasoline.