Gasoline prices in California could rise above $8 by the end of 2026, according to a new study. A gallon of regular gasoline in the Golden State could cost between $7.35 and $8.44 by that time, says the study, which was led by Michael A. Mische of USC’s Marshall School of Business and released last week.

Gas prices continue to rise around the country as the state of California looks to see a price of $8 a gallon within the next few years.

The average fuel price in state declined about 18 cents since last month. According to the EIA, gas prices across the state in the last year have been as low as $4.09 on Dec. 23, 2024, and as high as $5.17 on April 29, 2024. A year ago, the average gas price in California was 2% lower at $4.45 per gallon.