Don’t let the mainstream media blame Trump for this. Here is the truth!
Gas prices in California are already sky-high—but next year, they could hit a staggering $8.43 per gallon, according to a recent expert analysis. And the cause isn’t what you think—it’s not global markets or President Trump, it’s Sacramento’s own policies.
A new study by University of Southern California professor Michael Mische warns that the upcoming closure of two major refineries could push fuel prices through the roof. These shutdowns would drastically reduce oil production, not just in California, but across nearby states like Nevada and Arizona.
Refinery Shutdowns Are Driving the Crisis
Two massive facilities—the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles and Valero’s Benicia refinery in Northern California—are expected to close in the near future. This comes as a direct result of Governor Gavin Newsom’s aggressive environmental mandates, which critics say are forcing vital energy infrastructure out of business.
“Any disruption to oil supply or gasoline imports will drive up prices fast,” Mische explained. “We’re looking at a serious risk to fuel security across the Southwest.”
Newsom’s Office Dismisses Concerns—But Drivers Are Already Paying
Despite mounting evidence, Governor Newsom’s office dismissed the study as “unsourced.” Yet in the same breath, they claimed to be working with refiners to avoid a fuel crisis.
On social media, Newsom’s team promised to “fight against price spikes,” but many Californians feel abandoned as the cost of living continues to rise.
Even Democrats Are Sounding the Alarm
Former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat now running for governor, issued a blunt warning:
“If we keep pushing refineries out of California, gas prices will soar—and it’s the working families who will suffer the most.”
He emphasized that climate goals are important, but not at the expense of affordability and common sense.
Republicans Slam Failed Leadership
Conservatives in the California legislature are holding nothing back. Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher criticized the Governor sharply:
“Californians are paying the price for Gavin Newsom’s failed energy policies. He’s too focused on his next job to care about the real struggles families face at the pump.”
State Senator Suzette Valladares agreed, saying every trip to the gas station is “a brutal reminder of how out-of-touch our leaders have become.”
California Gas Prices Are Already the Highest in the Nation
As of this week, the average gas price in California sits at $4.82 per gallon, compared to the national average of just $3.15, according to AAA. That’s a 53% increase over what Americans elsewhere are paying.
And if the refinery closures move forward, it could get much worse.
New Report: It’s Not Price-Gouging—It’s Policy
A second study from Professor Mische makes it clear: California’s fuel problems are being driven by policy, not corporate greed. While Newsom’s office insists that “price gouging” plays a role, the research points directly to state laws and regulatory overreach.
Climate Mandates or Common Sense?
In a letter to the Governor, Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones criticized specific regulations—SBX1-2, ABX2-1, and changes to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard—for accelerating refinery closures.
“The cumulative effect of these policies is clear,” he wrote. “They are making it impossible for refineries to stay open and for Californians to afford basic transportation.”
The Bottom Line: California Drivers Are Being Punished by Policy
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about fuel. It’s about how government decisions are making life harder for retirees, working families, and small businesses. Californians are being priced out of their cars—and their freedom.
If gas hits $8.43, remember: this didn’t happen by accident—it happened by design.