Newsom Disputes Analysis by USC Professor on Potential Rise in California’s Gas Prices

Michael Mische estimated that regular gasoline prices in California could rise by as much as 75 percent by the end of 2026.
Newsom Disputes Analysis by USC Professor on Potential Rise in California’s Gas Prices
California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference in Los Angeles on Sept. 25, 2024. Eric Thayer/AP Photo
Sarah Le
Updated:
0:00

The office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom on May 7 criticized an analysis by a University of Southern California (USC) professor on the potential impact of refinery shutdowns and state policies on gas prices.

Michael Mische, a professor at USC’s Marshall School of Business, had estimated regular gasoline prices could rise from an average of $4.82 in April 2025 to as high as $8.44 a gallon by the end of next year in a report released May 5. The report sparked concerns over the future affordability of gas in a state where prices are already among the highest in the nation.
Sarah Le
Sarah Le
reporter
Sarah Le is an editor for The Epoch Times in Southern California. She lives with her husband and two children in Los Angeles.