US EditionCA gas could hit $8.44 per gallon in 2026 due to refinery closures, regulations
- A study conducted by a researcher at the University of Southern California predicts that California gas prices could climb to $8.44 per gallon by the end of 2026 due to refinery shutdowns and new regulatory measures.
- This projection follows the 2025 Phillips 66 and 2026 Valero refinery shutdowns compounded by new state policies including the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and excise tax increases.
- California has experienced a 56% reduction in the number of refineries, a 63% drop in oil production within the state, and a 98% decrease in available gasoline supplies, all contributing to higher prices amid expensive regulatory burdens.
- Mische noted that gasoline prices have increased 75% from $4.816 in April 2025 to between $7.348 and $8.435 per gallon, attributing high costs to layered taxes and fees.
- The refinery closures could cause a daily gasoline deficit of 6.6 to 13.1 million gallons, affecting multiple industries and placing California’s economy in a vulnerable position.
68 Articles
68 Articles
Pasadena Star News
Why are Californians still paying so much at the pump?
If you’ve filled up your tank lately and felt a pit in your stomach, you’re not alone. As of April 18, 2025, the average price of gasoline in California is $4.85 per gallon—over 52% higher than the national average of $3.16. In some counties, it’s even worse, with prices hovering around $5.87 per gallon. A recent in-depth study from the University of Southern California confirms what many of us have suspected for years: California’s sky-high gas…
Supply Crunch Could Send California's Gas Prices Past $8
On the heels of my recent article outlining how California’s unique fuel regulations — not corporate price gouging — are driving up gasoline prices in the state, new developments have added urgency to that conversation. On May 6, California Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom sounding the alarm over what could become an energy and economic crisis in the state. Citing an analysis by Universit…
California Price At Pump Could Hit $8.44/Gallon In ’26 Due To Refinery Closures, Regulations
By Kenneth Schrupp via The Daily Signal | May 08, 2025 A new analysis has found California gasoline prices could rise to $8.44 per gallon by the end of 2026 after the pending closure of two refineries—one-fifth of the state’s refining capacity—and the onset of new state regulations. California gas prices are already the nation’s highest, at $4.78 per gallon for regular-grade gasoline Tuesday, according to AAA. The new study from University of So…
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