Governor Newsom Urges Californians to Avoid Chevron Amid High Gas Prices
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California Governor Gavin Newsom advises residents to steer clear of Chevron stations over Memorial Day weekend, citing higher prices compared to unbranded alternatives.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has urged residents to avoid refueling at Chevron gas stations during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, highlighting that Chevron's prices are reportedly 60 to 80 cents per gallon higher than unbranded alternatives.
In a post on X, Newsom's office stated that unbranded gasoline originates from the same refineries and meets identical state standards, suggesting that consumers are overpaying for brand-name fuel.
This advisory follows Chevron's recent campaign attributing high fuel costs to California's climate policies. Signs at Chevron stations claim that state politicians are prioritizing foreign oil over local jobs and lower costs, directing customers to a webpage advocating for affordable, reliable energy.
Chevron spokesperson Ross Allen indicated that the signage is part of a three-year-old initiative aimed at educating consumers about the impact of state policies on fuel prices. He noted that most Chevron stations are independently operated and set their own prices.
As of Thursday, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in California was $6.14, approximately $1.58 higher than the national average, according to the American Automobile Association.
The ongoing conflict in Iran has disrupted global oil supplies, contributing to rising fuel prices. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has stranded oil tankers, further exacerbating the situation.
Governor Newsom has previously enacted legislation to penalize oil companies for excessive profits and to prevent sudden gas price spikes. However, the implementation of these measures has been delayed, with regulators postponing penalties until 2030 to focus on other consumer protection efforts.